Everton might have to let someone go. Ahead of the summer transfer window, Jordan Pickford and Chelsea are closely monitoring the situation, as Mauricio Pochettino’s team is looking to add a goalkeeper.
The Toffees are under pressure to adhere to the Premier League’s Profit and Sustainability Rules in order to avoid further punishment after being deducted points earlier this season. The proposed takeover by 777 Partners is in doubt.
Given that Everton may have to sell some of its most prominent players, Pickford is regarded as one of the team’s most important assets. There has been growing conjecture that the England number one may be heading out of Goodison Park.
The 30-year-old left his childhood team, Sunderland, for Everton in 2017 in exchange for a £30 million move. Over the course of seven Merseyside seasons, he has made over 270 appearances for Everton.
Chelsea is reportedly aware of the situation and has Pickford squarely on their radar as they search for a seasoned “keeper,” according to talkSPORT.
Roberto Sanchez and Dorde Petrovic, Chelsea’s current goalkeeping alternatives, have not yet shown themselves to be reliable long-term options between the sticks, therefore the Blues will be watching Everton’s progress over the next few weeks and months.
Pickford, who has earned 60 caps for the Three Lions, has a deal with Everton through 2027. Prior to Andre Onana’s summer transfer to Old Trafford, Pickford was connected to Manchester United.
At a news conference this afternoon, Everton head coach Sean Dyche expressed optimism that the team won’t have to trade any of its best players before the 2024–2025 season.
We won’t have to sell all the time. He informed reporters, “The PSR is not just that scenario; there are a variety of things that have to go into it.”
“There are a few clear-cut questions that need to be addressed, but things could change with the potential new ownership.” We continue to await further information.
“Kev [director of football Kevin Thelwell], the staff, and everyone else are taking an open stance on signings because, of course, we don’t know exactly how the financial aspects will turn out.”
We’re taking a broad look at what football has to offer in terms of players, contract circumstances, and other related factors.
“Until we narrow down in the summer, which is something that all teams must do, that is all we can do right now.”
It doesn’t alter all that much. It would, of course, if someone were to say, “Here’s an amount.” However, the majority of clubs at this point in the season will be flexible, planning for many outcomes, and as the season draws to a close, beginning to focus on what can be done moving forward. That is our plan of action. Nothing is currently defined.
“I think he is genuinely happy here,” Dyche continued, speaking about Pickford’s future.
“When I talk to him, it seems like he’s settled into his family life and has become a part of Everton.”
That is a crucial element. He remains the top player in England. He is, in my opinion, at a healthy place in both his personal and professional lives. A balance is always present.
“I think it’s a really good situation when players are content with their lives and the club, and he seems to be in that regard.”
It’s said that Chelsea is also keeping an eye on Aaron Ramsdale, the goalkeeper who was benched by David Raya at Arsenal.
Pickford’s England opponent Ramsdale had seemed to have established himself as Mikel Arteta’s top choice, but he has only made five Premier League outings so far this season.
Ramsdale, 25, still has two years left on his current contract at the Emirates, but Chelsea will know he won’t come cheap. The Gunners are expected to seek a cost in excess of £50 million for the player.