Ronald Koeman has, finally, after 12 months in charge of Everton got himself a proper goalkeeper, with the Dutchman no longer having to pretend Joel Robles or Maarten Stekelenburg are viable options between the sticks.
Sunderland’s in-demand Jordan Pickford is heading to Goodison Park, in a deal that could rise to £30million, which makes the Englishman the third-most expensive goalkeeper of all-time.
The Black Cats and Toffees have come to an agreement where Everton cough up £22million upfront, with the remaining £8million based around add-ons – no doubt the usual stuff regarding Champions League qualification and England caps.
Ultimately, at that price, in today’s market, Everton have come away with a decent bit of transfer business; signing the Premier League’s most impressive goalkeeper from last season, who is just 23, and (hopefully) their No.1 for at least the next decade.
In performing so admirably at a useless Sunderland, Pickford has shown he is more than capable of thriving, no matter who makes up the defence in front of him. Therefore, if Koeman doesn’t manage to replace the likes of Ashley Williams and Ramiro Funes Mori, Pickford will still perform.
That being said, Burnley’s Michael Keane is now favourite to be the next in the door at Goodison Park – Ray Wilkins will be happy – as Koeman bloods more excitement and youth into the new project on Merseyside.
Coupled with his move to Everton, Pickford will be hoping Gareth Southgate’s desire to bring through youth at international level, will see a Three Lions debut, at a time where England are overrun with moderately adequate goalkeepers.
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