The series of speculations finally come to an end as Merseyside club Everton have reportedly agreed a £30 million deal for Sunderland’s celebrated shot stopper Jordan Pickford. The 23-year-old Englishman was one of the revelations last season with numerous Premier League sides vying for him.
According to BBC, the Toffees’ accepted bid for the Sunderland player was an initial £22 million plus £8m of potential add-ons, which would keep the player at Goodison Park for five years. More than anything, this signing definitely makes a statement on their part, who would challenge for a top four place next season after coming close this time.
Koeman had to do with Maarten Stekelenburg and Joel Robles last season and while the Dutch manager kept rotating the duo from game to game, neither were able to convince the manager highly. And if the manager has to stick with one, then the young Spaniard would be a better option. The Dutch number one had an underwhelming season last term conceding 24 goals in 19 league games.
Robles, although less experienced, let in only 17 times in the same number of games. Premier League’s fast paced nature demands more unexpected reflexes from its goalies than experience it seems, and the likes of Pickford and Robles can do exactly that.
The Black Cats goalkeeper was phenomenal on numerous occasions last season, but Sunderland’s lacklustre defence meant he could hardly do anything. He conceded a whopping 50 goals in 29 games after the huge responsibility was exerted on him following Vito Mannone’s early injury.
Sunderland were relegated, but the young man did just enough to guarantee a rise in his career. The youth product of Sunderland, who was born in Washington, would credit his brilliant progress to the numerous loan stints to sides like Darlington FC, Alfreton Town, Burton Albion, Carlisle United, Bradford City and Preston North End before Sunderland decided to include him in their first team last season.
His decision to choose Everton over many top Premier League sides, who wanted to sign him, reflects his vision to get more first-team chances at a crucial stage of his career. The English goalkeeper is known for his impressive reflexes and perfect ball distribution up front and with the towering Morgan Schneiderlin in the midfield, Everton would get a new attacking dimension.
Claimed by many as the most expensive British goalkeeper ever, if the deal actually goes through, Pickford would apparently have his medical as soon as he returns from his international duty with the England Under-21s.
