CHERRIES have announced the signing of Brazilian striker Evanilson for a club-record fee.

The 24-year-old signed from FC Porto in a deal that could be worth £40.2million, with £31.7m in upfront costs and a potential for a further £8.5m in add-ons.

AFC Bournemouth announced the signing on Friday evening, but it is unknown whether the forward was registered in time to play in the Premier League opener against Nottingham Forest on Saturday.

The player needed to be registered by midday today in order to play, with Andoni Iraola hopeful that it would be concluded in time.

Evanilson scored 25 goals in 42 appearances for Porto last season, with four coming in the Champions League.

He will wear the number 9 shirt vacated by Dominic Solanke following his move to Tottenham Hotspur earlier in the summer. 

Club chief executive Neill Blake said: “We are delighted to bring someone with an immense pedigree to AFC Bournemouth.

“Evanilson is a hugely sought-after striker and for us to bring him to the club in a record-breaking deal shows our ambition and intent.

“Having scored 25 goals last season, including goals in the Champions League, we feel that his experience and ability despite only being 24 will help us to match our ambitions moving forward.

“It’s well known that we were keen on bringing a striker to the football club and for us to complete this deal so quickly is a testament to our recruitment team.”