James Tarkowski has completed a move to Everton on a free transfer, signing a four-year contract with the Club until the end of June 2026.

The 29-year-old central defender joins the Blues after his contract expired at Burnley at the end of last month, having spent more than six personally outstanding years with the Turf Moor club.

After becoming Everton’s first signing of the summer, Tarkowski revealed the role of manager Frank Lampard and the Club’s passionate fans in confirming Goodison Park was the right move for him.

“I’m excited to have joined Everton. It’s a massive club. I’m really looking forward to the years ahead and I’m thankful for the opportunity that I’ve been given,” Tarkowski told evertonfc.com.

“Speaking to the manager, it was very important to see what he wants from his players and his team, what he saw in me and why he wanted to sign me. Speaking to [Director of Football] Kevin Thelwell was also a factor. They both spoke about the ambition here which was really important for me".

First signing of the summer: ✅ pic.twitter.com/Zy3Jg2jGq2

— Everton (@Everton) July 2, 2022