Now is right time for Jordan Pickford to quit Everton as Manchester United transfer looms
Jordan Pickford has been a superb servant for Everton over the years, with many Toffees fans eager for the goalkeeper to continue between the sticks for the long-term future.
But his time at the club may be coming to an end this summer, with the shot-stopper recently reaching a “verbal agreement” with the Toffees whereby he will leave if they are relegated [Ben Jacobs].
Unfortunately for the Merseyside outfit, relegation is a very real possibility, with the club currently sitting just two points outside the bottom three in 17th place.
In more worrying news for Everton, the Daily Star (11 May) claims that Manchester United want to bring Pickford in to replace David de Gea.
But a potential exit for Pickford shouldn’t be viewed as entirely bad news for Everton, who could receive a hefty fee for his services, with Manchester United set to pay big money in order to bring in a long-term De Gea replacement.
The club’s ongoing financial issues have been laid bare in recent months, with finances from a deal for Pickford certain to help in that area.
And it definitely wouldn’t represent a negative scenario for Pickford, who would not only be in for a huge pay rise, but would also be playing European football rather than struggling in the bottom half of the Premier League.
A move to Old Trafford would also do no harm to Pickford’s England chances. Even though he remains Gareth Southgate’s first choice, the Toffees ace may be slightly worried about the form of Nick Pope and Aaron Ramsdale, two goalkeepers shining at top-level clubs.
Pickford has definitely been kept the busiest out of the three this season, with only David Raya (142) and Bernd Leno (134) making more saves than the Everton number one (118), according to the official Premier League website.
Given Manchester United’s apparent need for a new number one and Everton’s need for financial support, now may just be the optimum time to carry out a deal for the England international.
All Toffees fans would miss their beloved goalkeeper, but most would wish him well on a much-deserved step up in class.