Everton welcomes Beto from Udinese in a multi-year deal

Everton has successfully secured the services of Udinese striker, Beto, on a four-year contract lasting until June 2027. 

The towering 6ft 4in Portuguese forward, officially named Norberto Bercique Gomes Betuncal, marks the Blues' fifth acquisition in this summer's transfer window.

Prior signings included Ashley Young, Arnaut Danjuma, Youssef Chermiti, and Jack Harrison.

Known for his pace, aerial prowess, and hold-up play, Beto has consistently delivered impressive performances, ensuring he netted double figures for goals during his last four seasons.

Udinese benefitted greatly from his proficiency, with Beto finishing as the top scorer for the 2022/23 season and recording 11 goals during his debut Serie A campaign in 2021/22.

Upon joining, the Everton number 14, Beto, expressed his long-held admiration for the club to evertontv: “It feels good to join Everton. I have always appreciated them as a club... When a club like Everton tries to buy you in January and then comes again in the summer, you feel like, 'Okay, they want me for real'. My idol, Samuel Eto’o, played here, too, which makes it even more special.”

He further communicated his passion and drive, stating, “I can bring courage, confidence... I know the team needs to score more goals and I will try to help with this. I love to score goals. I know we need this and I am here to help. I will always give my best to score goals... Let's do it.”

Everton's manager, Sean Dyche, expressed his delight over the signing: “We have been eager to strengthen our striking options... the arrival of Beto gives us that. He has impressed in a top league like Serie A for the past two seasons and scored goals... he has a lot of attributes that we hope can see him prove to be a success with Everton.”

Originating from Lisbon, Beto honed his skills at Benfica's academy.

Subsequently, his scoring streak with Portuguese teams URD Tires, Clube Olimpico do Montijo, and Portimonense caught Udinese's attention, culminating in a move to the Italian side in 2021.

His most memorable moment with Udinese came in April 2022 when he achieved a hat-trick in a 5-1 victory over Cagliari.

In anticipation of playing for the Toffees, Beto said: “The fans’ support for me means a lot... For me that feels really good and I just want to contribute with goals and appearances.”

He also shared insights from his chat with former Everton forward and Udinese teammate Gerard Deulofeu: “He told me Everton is a big club, has crazy fans... Words can’t express the feeling I have right now to play in Goodison Park.”