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Muhamed Besic, Everton Agree on New Contract: Latest Details, Comments, Reaction

Matt JonesFeatured ColumnistFebruary 29, 2016

Everton's Bosnian midfielder Muhamed Besic reacts after missing a chance during the English Premier League football match between Everton and Swansea City at Goodison Park in Liverpool, north west England on January 24, 2016. AFP PHOTO / PAUL ELLIS

RESTRICTED TO EDITORIAL USE. No use with unauthorized audio, video, data, fixture lists, club/league logos or 'live' services. Online in-match use limited to 75 images, no video emulation. No use in betting, games or single club/league/player publications. / AFP / PAUL ELLIS        (Photo credit should read PAUL ELLIS/AFP/Getty Images)
PAUL ELLIS/Getty Images

Everton midfielder Muhamed Besic signed a new five-and-a-half-year deal with the club on Monday.

The Toffees’ Twitter feed provided details of the new contract along with quotes from the Bosnia and Herzegovina international, who is happy to commit his future to the Merseyside outfit:

Everton @Everton

BREAKING NEWS: @Mo_Besic has signed a new five-and-a-half-year contract to the end of June 2021. #EFC https://t.co/gvVT9x72Un

Besic has been sidelined in recent weeks but has been impressive when handed a chance in the starting XI by manager Roberto Martinez this season, adding both graft and guile to the Everton midfield.  

Per Chris Beesley of the Liverpool Echo, Besic expanded on his decision to sign on for so long with the club:

When I first arrived here it was difficult for me, but now I feel at home. The supporters, as well as the manager, the staff and my teammates, have all made me welcome at the club and I feel really happy.

It was very easy when I heard about it. It was clear that I wanted to stay and sign the new contract.

When people look at my game, before and now, I think I have improved a lot in many different areas. But, like you have seen, I am still adapting to the league and I will continue to work hard and give my best.

The Toffees landed the Bosnian after he shone at the 2014 FIFA World Cup, and following a decent first season, he was expected to kick on again in 2015-16. Injuries have hampered his chances drastically this term, but when the 23-year-old has featured, he’s added a new dimension to the midfield.

Toffee TV are certainly pleased the former Ferencvaros man has agreed an extension to his current terms:

Toffee TV @ToffeeTVEFC

MO IS STAYING TILL 2021 @Mo_Besic #EFC https://t.co/2nTKH0ySNF

After putting their faith in the player with this new contract, Everton will be looking for Besic to develop, avoid the injury issues which have hampered him lately and become a regular in the heart of the team’s midfield. At the moment, these fitness woes are the only thing which seem to be holding the Bosnian back, with his talent shining through at times this campaign.

Besic has impressed in bursts for Everton this season.
Besic has impressed in bursts for Everton this season.Alex Livesey/Getty Images

Evertonians will be delighted by this news, continuing a prosperous few days for the club. It was confirmed over the weekend that Iranian billionaire Farhad Moshiri had bought a 49.9 per cent stake in the Goodison Park side, ending a decade-long search for investment from longstanding chairman Bill Kenwright, per BBC Sport.