Man Utd, Tottenham transfer hopes dashed as Everton seal Jordan Pickford fate while keeper confirms ambitious aim
Everton have announced that Jordan Pickford has signed a new contract with the club after being linked with the likes of Man Utd and Tottenham.
Pickford was due to become a free agent at the end of next season under the terms of his previous contract. His status as a regular England international consequently made him someone who Everton could have cashed in on for a decent sum this summer.
Man Utd, Tottenham and Chelsea were all looking at Pickford as they look to evolve their own goalkeeping departments. All of them are looking to establish a new number one for next season, potentially.
However, Pickford is now less likely to be their solution, since he has extended his commitment to Everton until 2027. It means he will have represented them for a decade by the time he fulfils it.
Pickford told evertontv: “It’s massive to sign this new contract at such a special club for me. The support I’ve had from everyone at the club since I joined as a 22-year-old has been so important to my family and me.
“I’m happy here and so are my family. We love it at Everton.
“Everton is a massive club. The past few seasons have not been what we wanted but we now have a manager who I believe will point us in the right direction and get us up the table.
“It’s definitely my aim to be successful at this club. The fans, the staff and my teammates have been great with me from the moment I joined and I want to be great for them.
“I just want to keep working hard and performing for Everton. We know we are in a tough place at the moment in the league but I’m eager to help the team improve this season and then aim for success in the future, which will include playing in our new stadium.
“This contract will take me to more than 10 years at Everton and I want to build a legacy here to put myself up there with the likes of Neville Southall to be one of the best keepers to have played for Everton.”
Everton ready to move forward with Jordan Pickford
So far, the former Sunderland shot-stopper has made 222 appearances for Everton, conceding 319 goals. This season, he has played 23 times and let in 33 goals.
Turning 29 next month, he has been England’s number one for a while and has earned 50 caps on that stage.
Therefore, Everton are glad to be keeping hold of him, as outlined by director of football, Kevin Thelwell.
Thelwell added: “Jordan is one of the best goalkeepers in world football, so it is a significant boost for us to have a player of his quality and talent commit his long-term future to the club.
“He has proven to be a first-rate player for Everton and England over many years and his attitude, focus and leadership continues to be exemplary.
“Since signing him in 2017, our chairman has built a strong relationship with Jordan and his representatives, and this played a big and important part in us getting this new contract agreed.
“I’m sure that every Evertonian will be delighted to hear this news and excited to know that Jordan remains an integral part of our plan to move Everton forward.”
