Keeper Wessels signs deal at Goodison Park

Aug 22 2007 by Chris Beesley, Liverpool Daily Post

STEFAN WESSELS has become the first German player to sign for Everton after arriving at Goodison Park on a Bosman free transfer.

The 28-year-old goalkeeper left Cologne last season and will contest the number one spot with American international Tim Howard.

Wessels, who will wear the number 33 jersey, has signed an initial one-year contract.

He said: “I am excited to be here in England. It is the first time I have played for a club outside of Germany but the English Premier League is a very exciting league and I am looking forward to my time here at Everton.”

Wessels, who has represented Germany at various levels up to under-21 internationals, was on trial at Everton earlier this month and spent several days training at Bellefield.

His career began at Bayern Munich and deputising for German international Oliver Kahn.

Although David Moyes also has Iain Turner, 23, and John Ruddy, 20, at his disposal, he has been without a second experienced goalkeeper since Richard Wright’s release and subsequent move to West Ham United over the summer.