Everton complete permanent signing of Barcelona midfielder Andre Gomes for £22m as Portuguese ace insists it was 'an easy decision' to stay Marco Silva's Everton have signed midfielder Andre Gomes for £22million West Ham were also interested in his services but he preferred Merseyside move The Barcelona midfielder enjoyed a successful loan spell at the club last season He has signed a five-year deal at Goodison Park as he hails the 'family' club By Nathan Salt For Mailonline Published: 20:58 BST, 25 June 2019 | Updated: 21:00 BST, 25 June 2019 Viewcomments Andre Gomes has agreed a five-year deal to become Everton's first summer signing after sealing a £22million move from Barcelona. The Portugal international was wanted by West Ham United but Gomes, who enjoyed a successful season on loan at Goodison Park, made it clear that he wanted to join Everton permanently rather than return to the Nou Camp and be a bit-part performer. Everton had been in discussions with Barcelona and Gomes's advisors for many months. With the player settled on Merseyside, it was a case of negotiating a fee with the Catalans, who initially indicated they would want more than £30million. Everton have completed the £22million signing of Barcelona midfielder Andre Gomes West Ham were also interested in his services but Gomes has chosen to stay at Goodison Park The Portugal international becomes Marco Silva's first signing of the summer transfer window 'I'm really happy to sign the contract with Everton – it wasn't hard to decide, it was an easy decision and I'm very happy to have made it,' Gomes told evertontv. 'I know the Club made a massive effort to sign me and I'm very happy and thankful to them. I said during the year that I felt part of a family and that is the most important thing to me. 'Last year was a really good experience for me. I just wanted to feel part of something special and I found it here. It was good for me in that moment and right now, after signing for Everton, it's even better. 'I think the ambition here is not only for me, I think it's for all the players, the fans and the Club. We are all excited for that.' Gomes made 78 appearances for Barcelona but eventually struggled for playing time It could be that up to 10 players leave before the transfer deadline on August 8 but one player who will remain is Leighton Baines. The veteran left back was offered a 12-month extension two weeks ago and the deal was signed and sealed last week. 'It was vital for me to keep Leighton at Everton and I am very pleased to finalise his contract before we return for pre-season,' Silva told evertonfc.com. 'Leighton is part of the Club's fabric and a top-class professional. 'Most importantly, Leighton is still an exceptionally good footballer and features in our vision for what we want to achieve at Everton. Leighton showed in my first season that we can rely on him to perform at a high level whenever he plays and he provides excellent competition for Lucas Digne. 'Also, at Finch Farm every day, Leighton is focused, setting a fantastic example and bringing his quality and experience to every training session.' Everton boss Silva wants to shake up his squad but was determined to keep Leighton Baines Share or comment on this article: All rights reserved for this news site dailymail and under his responsibility