Ex-Premier League star Yannick Bolasie seals random transfer as fans say ‘this guy has toured the world’
YANNICK BOLASIE has completed the most surprising move of his 15-club career.
Newly-promoted Brazilian top-flight side Criciuma have signed the former Crystal Palace and Everton winger, 34.
Fans on social media responded by saluting the ex-DR Congo’s cult spells in the Premier League.
And one posted: “This guy has toured the whole world.”
Yet the 6ft 2ins French-born ace has never before played outside Europe.
Transfer guru Fabrizio Romano confirmed Bolasie’s arrival at Criciuma on Monday following a medical.
The club – little-known on this side of the globe – pulled off their greatest achievement as long ago as 1991 when lifting the Brazilian Cup.
But Criciuma are the biggest team in the state of Santa Catarina, having also won Serie B in 2002 and Serie C four years later.
The south-east Brazilian city is the core of the country’s flooring and home materials industry – and the second-largest such centre in the world.
Now Bolasie hopes to raise the roof on Criciuma’s 19,900-capacity Estadio Heriberto Hulse stadium following what might be the last major move of his career.
He’s been without a club since a short-term deal with Swansea ended in January – just as Luke Williams replaced sacked boss Michael Duff at the Championship side.
Ex-Notts County manager Williams said of Bolasie’s departure: “Yannick has been great to work with.
“He has been a real professional and we wish him well in whatever is next for him.”
Non-leaguers Hillingdon Borough were Bolasie’s first club in 2006.
Then came the first hint of his globe-trotting to come, via Maltese Premier League side Floriana.
Three years with Plymouth Argyle followed, including loan stints with Rushden & Diamonds and Barnet.
After switching to Bristol City he enjoyed his peak times – with Palace from 2012-2016.
Having helped the Eagles back up to the Prem, Everton swooped in a £25million deal.
But a cruciate ligament injury undermined his five years at Goodison Park, leading to loan stints with Aston Villa, Anderlecht, Sporting Lisbon and Middlesbrough.
Bolasie tried out Turkey for two years with Caykur Rizespor – before just a couple of months with Swansea and now his first taste of football in South America.