Though Everton have enjoyed one of the most successful second halves in the Premier League this season with a likely finish in the eighth position, one cannot overlook the flurry of goals Ronald Koeman’s side has conceded this season. Despite having the Dutch number one Maarten Stekelenburg under the bar, the Toffees have seen the ball going in 41 times already.
The Dutch manager even tried changing the player in that role by replacing Stekelenburg with the Spaniard goalie Joel Robles. And though he reduced it to some extent conceding 17 goals in 18 games as opposed to Stekelenburg’s 24 from 19 games, the boss looks dissatisfied with both the options.
There are speculations that a goalkeeper stands first in Koeman’s transfer list coming summer. Here are the three options he could choose from-
Jordan Pickford- The Sunderland goalie has caught enormous attention with his phenomenal reflexes and brilliant ball distribution. Only 23, the English goalkeeper is touted by many as the next big thing for the future. Although Sunderland boss David Moyes gave him the chance in the most unsuitable of circumstances, when the Black Cats were doing horribly with a non-existent defence, Pickford has managed to pull out some fantastic results for them.
However, Pickford couldn’t save Sunderland from getting relegated and he is a sure departure from the Stadium of Light at the end of this season.
David Stockdale- The 31-year-old has enjoyed a magnificent season with Brighton & Hove Albion this season, gaining a promotion to the Premier League. And although Brighton just lost the title on the last day of the Championship with a draw against Aston Villa, Stockdale has earned numerous suitors following this season.
He has conceded 40 goals in 45 league outings, which is truly commendable given the hectic schedule running in Championship. He has also completed 20 shutouts in the process. And most interestingly, his contract expires this June, which means Everton can get him for free.
Kasper Schmeichel- Leicester City didn’t have the best of seasons this term following a stormy league winning season. And with European prospect also gone for next season, the Denmark international will have a lot to think about his future with the Foxes.
A shoulder injury kept the 30-year-old out of many games following a nightmarish first half. He has conceded 38 goals in 27 league outings so far. But, it was his Champions League campaign that really caught the attention. Leicester were knocked out in the quarter-final of the European tournament and Schmeichel played eight of them conceding only four goals. He is in huge demand this summer.
