Title: “Pick of the Bunch: Everton Set to Table £10 Million Bid for Sunderland Starlet Jordan Pickford”
Everton are reportedly preparing a £10 million bid for Sunderland’s highly-rated young goalkeeper Jordan Pickford, as they look to bolster their squad with a long-term solution between the posts. The Toffees are said to be keen admirers of the England U21 international, who has emerged as one of the brightest prospects in English football after a string of standout performances for the Black Cats.
Still just 22 years old, Pickford has had a meteoric rise in the past two seasons. A product of Sunderland’s academy, he broke into the first team during the 2016/17 Premier League campaign, impressing fans and pundits alike with his composure, sharp reflexes, and exceptional distribution. Despite Sunderland’s relegation woes, Pickford remained a shining light in an otherwise disappointing season for the Wearside club.
Now, with Sunderland consigned to life in the Championship, Premier League clubs are circling, sensing an opportunity to snap up one of the country’s most promising goalkeepers at a cut price. Everton, under the management of Ronald Koeman, have emerged as front-runners in the race for Pickford’s signature.
The proposed £10 million fee, while substantial for a player with just one full Premier League season under his belt, reflects both Pickford’s potential and the current market for top-level goalkeepers. Some reports suggest the total deal could rise with add-ons based on appearances and international caps, possibly climbing to £15 million. For Everton, this would be an investment in a long-term number one — a player they hope can make the position his own for years to come.
With veteran goalkeeper Maarten Stekelenburg approaching the twilight of his career and question marks over Joel Robles’ consistency, Everton are in need of a commanding, modern goalkeeper who can not only make saves but also start attacks with accurate distribution. Pickford fits that mould perfectly.
Known for his sharp reflexes, agility, and shot-stopping prowess, Pickford also boasts one of the best passing ranges among young keepers in Europe. His ability to play out from the back and find teammates with precise long balls has drawn comparisons to some of the game’s elite modern keepers, such as Manuel Neuer and Ederson. While that may be high praise, there is no denying that Pickford has all the tools to become a top-class Premier League goalkeeper.
Speaking earlier in the season, former Sunderland manager David Moyes hailed Pickford’s maturity: “He’s got a good temperament, he wants to learn, and he’s got the confidence you need at this level. I think he’ll go a long way.”
If Everton do succeed in luring Pickford to Goodison Park, it would mark a significant coup for the club’s recruitment policy, which has increasingly focused on acquiring young, homegrown talent with high resale value. Koeman and Director of Football Steve Walsh are believed to view Pickford as not just a key player for the future but also someone who can compete for the number one shirt immediately.
However, Everton are unlikely to have a free run at the signing. Other Premier League clubs — including Manchester City and West Ham — have also been linked with Pickford, though Everton’s willingness to offer a clear pathway to regular first-team football could give them the edge.
Sunderland, meanwhile, will be reluctant to lose one of their few prized assets, but relegation and the financial realities of life in the Championship may force their hand. A substantial transfer fee for Pickford could go a long way toward helping the club rebuild under new management, and the player himself is believed to be open to the idea of staying in the Premier League to further his international ambitions.
England manager Gareth Southgate has already taken note of Pickford’s abilities, handing him his first senior call-up in late 2016. With the 2018 World Cup on the horizon, a move to a stable Premier League club like Everton — where he could play regularly and develop under less pressure — might be the perfect step forward in Pickford’s blossoming career.
As the summer transfer window approaches, all eyes will be on whether Everton formalise their interest with an official bid. Should the deal go through, it could be the first major move of what promises to be an intriguing transfer window — and the start of a new era between the sticks at Goodison Park.
