If any of the big names in the goalkeeping position of the Premier League make a move next summer, it is likely that Jordan Pickford’s fate will be tied to the situations as well. As Arsenal’s interest over Jan Oblak intensifies, Pickford has been touted as the Slovenian’s replacement at Atletico Madrid.
The La Liga outfit got to see the 24-year-old in action against Holland last night and might just have been as impressed as the rest of us. While overtaking Joe Hart as England’s number one might not be the greatest of challenges, doing it over all the other keepers at such a young age is an accomplishment.
Pickford arrived at Goodison Park last summer for £25m which turned him into the most expensive British shot-stopper in the history of the game. At just 24, Pickford has shown signs of a bright future with the national team and is currently one of the best players in the Toffees lineup.
The former Sunderland player’s talents have drawn the eyes of plenty and he is quite deserved of a call-up to an elite side. Even though Everton are preparing for a future where they can match strides with Manchester United, Chelsea and Manchester City in the top four, they are a long way from doing so, at least by current standards.
Atletico Madrid, on the other hand, will be reluctant to lose their current number one as they look to win the UEFA Europa League this season. However, Oblak’s release clause has already been set to £88m and if Arsenal or any of the other interested do decide to meet it, they could be in trouble.
The La Liga outfit will be granted the financial resources to spend on other high profile names this could spell trouble for Everton too. Their current number two, Maarten Stekelenburg is 35 and is in no way ideal as a regular starter.
Joel Robles will also be out of a contract in the summer and is ready to quit the Goodison Park. Their chances of improving upon the current season will be severely affected without a competent shot-stopper in the side, especially now that their plans lie in challenging for the title.
Pickford is quite possibly a future star in Europe and can be predicted to one day reach the heights of Manuel Neuer and David De Gea. Everton should contest hard against the transfer or otherwise charge a monumental fee for Pickford.
Either way, losing the 24-year-old would be a huge let-down but if you can profit significantly, the financial leverage will come handy for future purposes.
