Brentford goalkeeper David Raya responds to Everton transfer question
Brentford goalkeeper David Raya is coy on speculation linking him with a move to Everton, but admits he wants to play for “big clubs”.
Raya, 26, joined the Bees from Blackburn Rovers in 2019 and helped his new side to the 2020 Championship play-off final, where they lost to Fulham.
However, they went one better the following year and beat Swansea City to reach the Premier League.
Brentford and Raya have started the 2021/22 campaign in fine form, claiming 12 points after seven games and keeping three clean sheets.
In an interview with SER journalist Bruno Alemany, who named Everton and Arsenal as clubs that are interested in the Barcelona-born shot-stopper, Raya expressed his pleasure at playing for Brentford, but hinted at future dreams when asked if he would be interested in making a move to those clubs.
“I am happy at the club,” Raya said. “I want to have a good season this year.
“In the summer we will see what happens. My ambitions are great, I would like to play at the top. You always want to play for big clubs.”
Future challenger?
Rafa Benitez brought in Asmir Begovic during the summer to act as deputy to England number one Jordan Pickford.
However, there appears little chance that Begovic is actually being considered as a challenger to Pickford’s throne at Goodison Park.
Therefore, could Benitez and the Blues be eyeing more intense competition for Pickford in the coming years?
Raya would certainly provide just that, proving to be a reliable pair of hands for the Bees over the last couple of years, with Liverpool boss Jurgen Klopp hailing him as incredible last month [BBC Sport].
Whether a move that sees him start as a number two would interest him, though, remains to be seen.
Currently establishing himself as a solid Premier League performer, Raya is likely to prefer his starring role, though the lure of more money and perhaps European football in the future could tempt him to Merseyside.
In other Everton news, Ronald Koeman could rival the Blues in the race to sign this international ace Arsene Wenger called ‘unbelievable’.
Be sure to follow Goodison News on Facebook and Twitter for 24/7 updates on Everton and more exclusive interviews with Kevin Campbell.