By Gareth James
Will Evans has completed a move from Newport County to Mansfield with County chairman Huw Jenkins admitting the £200,000 fee was too good to turn down.
Evans has been a jewel in the Rodney Parade crown for the past two seasons and a number of clubs higher up the Football League were understood to be keen to land the former Cymru Premier player.
But none of those rumoured moves materialised until this week and Mansfield’s determination to take Evans up a division and into League One.
Newport County can confirm forward Will Evans has today joined Mansfield Town for an undisclosed fee.
Thank you for everything, @Will_Evs8 🧡🖤
— Newport County AFC (@NewportCounty) August 6, 2024
Evans, 27, who became a professional thanks to his performances in the Cymru Premier with Cardiff Met and Bala, made 107 appearances for County.
Last season, he impressed with 25 goals, 21 of them in League Two, and Jenkins mentioned at the start of July that “tentative” offers had already been rejected.
County's 25-goal striker Will Evans moves on after "an offer we couldn’t turn down at this stage in our journey".
Believe it's a fee that could approach £200k with add-ons.
All the best at Mansfield, Will.https://t.co/ZUS28tOquj
— Argus on County (@argusoncounty) August 6, 2024
Jenkins said: “We are obviously disappointed to lose Will after such a good campaign last season but he is in the last year of his contract and expressed a strong desire to test himself at a higher level.
“We discussed the situation with Will and his agent over the summer and we agreed that if a reasonable offer came in, then we would both move forward with clarity.
“The club is still at a rebuilding stage after a difficult few years financially, so it was an offer we couldn’t turn down at this stage in our journey.
“Will joined the professional game late in his career and is no doubt eager to play at the highest level he can to continue his climb up the footballing ladder.
“I’m sure everyone would like to wish Will good luck with his new challenge and thank him for his hard work, dedication, and commitment to the club over the last few seasons.”
Understand Mansfield Town are poised to sign highly-rated Newport County forward Will Evans after the two clubs agreed a deal. #Stags #OneClubOneCounty pic.twitter.com/iGsUvfnOKF
— Pete O'Rourke (@SportsPeteO) August 6, 2024
Evans – who caught the eye when he scored in last season’s FA Cup tie against Manchester United – said: “It was a decision which wasn’t made lightly, as I’ve created memories that will live with me forever.
“The club gave me an opportunity two years ago and I can easily say it’s been the best two years. For now, it’s time to say goodbye, to undertake a new challenge, one that I personally couldn’t turn down.
“I gave everything for Newport County and I hope you felt I did as well. I wish nothing but success for the club in the upcoming season and the forthcoming years.”
Mansfield have confirmed the signing of Will Evans from Newport County, Evans stats in League Two last season:
46 Games ✅
21 Goals ⚽️
3 Assists 🅰️A high pressing, energetic forward, who will perfectly suit Nigel Clough’s side 🏴 #MTFC
— eflpublished (@eflpublished) August 6, 2024