The English domestic league always has some hidden talents around that are unearthed every season. This season, it is the turn of England international Jordan Pickford to impress many in his time at the Stadium of Light. Sunderland have been one of the worst teams in the current season and are already relegated but Pickford has put in so many good performances that he can keep his head held high.
With the Black Cats going down, Pickford is not expected to stay with them, as a number of top clubs in England, who were impressed by his performances this season, are already planning to snap him up this summer. Merseyside outfit Everton are reportedly leading the race for his signature but their local rivals Liverpool are not too far behind.
Widely regarded as the best shot-stopper that England has produced in recent times, Pickford is wanted by every big club in the country. According to The Telegraph, Arsenal, Everton, Manchester City, Manchester United and West Ham are all interested in his signature but should Liverpool make a move for him?
A year ago, the Liverpool fans would have jumped at this link and would have begged the club to get this deal done. Now? Well not so much. The Reds spent on German star Loris Karius at the start of the season and though he has not been able to cement a place in the first team, he has had enough effect on the club to justify the investment.
The competition Karius has bought to the number 1 spot at Anfield has helped one Simon Mignolet improve his game, 10-fold. For a keeper who has committed the most mistakes leading to a goal in the last three years, Mignolet has gone on to become a keeper who has not made a single mistake this season.
He has also looked far more convincing, dominating his box and keeping the opposition at bay. He is still not keeping as many clean sheets as Liverpool want but there is a definite improvement in his performances from the last few years.
Many Liverpool fans will want Mignolet out because of the number of points he has cost the club in the past, but at 29, he is in his prime and is a perfect mentor for Karius on the bench. Swapping him for a young prospect like Pickford to have two youngsters fighting for the first team place in exciting but not a winning formula.
Pickford has been impeccable and missing out on his signature could be a serious blow for the Reds. He is a star for a future and if Klopp thinks he is the right man for the future, he may well spend on him, letting either Mignolet or Karius leave this summer. It is a decent option but in a season when they are expected to fight in the Champions League, they would rather have a settled Mignolet on goal than a 23-year old who is still establishing himself at the highest level.
Do you think Liverpool should spend on Pickford this summer?
