talkSPORT pundit tells Jordan Pickford to leave Everton for Tottenham amid contract issues
Jordan Pickford shouldn’t even be considering extending his Everton contract and should instead move to Tottenham, says Gabby Agbonlahor.
The Daily Mail and The Times both reported (27 December) that the keeper’s Toffees future is in doubt amid issues around his long-awaited extension.
With Premier League rivals interested in a move for the 28-year-old, Agbonlahor believes Pickford needs to leave for Champions League football in order to protect his position as England number one.
Speaking live on talkSPORT on Wednesday morning (28 December, 6.23am) he said: “You’d think that Jordan Pickford would be looking at moving. Looking at his [England] teammates and they’re playing Champions League football. Declan Rice is looking to leave and win things.
“I’m sure at 28 it’s a perfect age for Jordan Pickford to be thinking, ‘I want to go and play Champions League football. I don’t want to be in a relegation battle every season.’
On the prospect of a relegation clause in a new deal he said: “He won’t sign that. A player like Jordan Pickford isn’t signing a relegation clause. Only if it’s you lose half your wages or can leave for £10million.”
And of a Tottenham move he added: “Is that a club you could see Jordan Pickford at? I think it is… I think he’d be a perfect signing for Spurs.
“He 100% does [need a move] and that’s why I’m surprise he’s even talking about a new contract because if I’m in Jordan Pickford’s shoes at 28 I’m thinking I want to go and play Champions League.
“If I was him I wouldn’t be looking to sign a new contract at Everton… You can’t take that England number one position for granted. What if you’ve got Arsenal number one Aaron Ramsdale playing Champions League football? Could that affect your position for the next tournament?”
Exit-bound?
There is some logic to the argument that England’s number one would be better off out of a relegation battle and that is certainly the argument the likes of Spurs, Manchester United and Chelsea will be making if he doesn’t sign a new deal soon.
Pickford has apparently been ready to commit to Everton despite the current struggles so for a delay to come from the club’s side is a surprise.
If the end of the season approaches without a resolution having been reached, and especially if the club are battling against the drop until then, this is only going to end one way.
The Toffees were forced to cash in on Richarlison in the summer and if Pickford closes in on the final 12-months of his current contract they will be powerless to prevent him following the Brazilian out of the club.
That would surely weaken the team so unless his wage demands are simply outrageous there seems to be little reason to stall on offering him a new deal.
But if the club are going to do it at all they need to do it quickly because the longer the situation drags on the less choice they will have in the matter, with the current form apparently already complicating matters.