Everton are reportedly the forerunner in landing Sunderland’s sensational shot stopper Jordan Pickford coming transfer window as the race heats up with the season coming to a close. The 23-year-old has had a terrific season this term and though Sunderland are Championship bound, he is likely staying up.
After a decent season under Ronald Koeman, where the Toffees are into the qualifying stages of the Europa League next season having been one of the better teams in 2017, the Merseyside club is planning for a thunderous transfer window. Already winning the race for the likes for Morgan Schneiderlin, Ademola Lookman and Dominic Calvert-Lewin last term, Koeman would be optimistic about Pickford.
It won’t be easy by any means though, with clubs like Liverpool, Manchester City, Manchester United, all keeping tabs on his situation. However, one sure thing that could be a stumbling block for Everton is his sky-rocketing price tag. Previous reports have indicated that Everton can get Pickford for a mere £17million this summer, but we doubt that.
Sunderland boss, David Moyes, knows the immense interest from various clubs in his goalie and with a Championship season next year, the academy product is unlikely to stay at the club, Hence, a lump sum amount would be the least he could expect from Pickford’s sale.
When questioned about his future at the Stadium of Light next season, Moyes said, “At the moment, I really wouldn’t know what the odds are on him staying… but if Jordan was to go elsewhere and not be the number one, that wouldn’t be good for him…”
Sunderland produced an excellent display against Marco Silva’s Hull City with a 2-0 win last week. Given they had nothing to lose now, the Black Cats expressed themselves brilliantly and at the centre of it stood Pickford with some amazing saves. Such mesmerising display prior to the transfer window only intensifies his demand.
That coupled with the sudden crisis of quality shot-stoppers in the Premier League in elite sides makes his bidding war all the more interesting. Manchester City leads the race for an immediate goalie recruitment following Claudio Bravo’s debacle debut season; Manchester United are in increasing danger of missing out on David De Gea with Real Madrid hot on their heels; while Liverpool haven’t found a solid display from either of their options under the bar, Loris Karius and Simon Mignolet.
Same goes with Everton, who are yet to decide among their goalies. Starting the season with Dutch number 1 Marten Stekelenburg, Koeman had switched to Joel Robles midway. The Toffees have conceded 41 goals this season and Koeman would like to correct that next season.
