Everton must still seek long-term solution as Asmir Begovic contract update emerges
Everton could reportedly look to retain the services of exit-bound goalkeeper Asmir Begovic but the Toffees must be proactive and seek long-term goalkeeping solutions.
The 35-year-old shot-stopper has been a bit-part player at Goodison Park this season, only making just three appearances all season with Pickford enjoying a superb campaign.
The England international has been linked with several top sides in the past, but could yet remain at the club [The Times, 29 May] after Everton successfully secured their Premier League status for next season.
The goalkeeping position has rarely become a problem for the Toffees in the past, given Pickford’s amazing durability and reliability between the sticks and Begovic standing in as his understudy, and it seems as if Everton are looking to stick with that next season.
According to the Liverpool Echo [3 June], Begovic could stay put at Goodison Park to be Jordan Pickford’s backup for the 2023/24 season.
It could well mean that the club may hand the Bosnian a new contract in order to ensure that he can play for them in the upcoming campaign but with the Toffees set to undergo much change this summer, especially in the playing squad it may well be time for them to start planning ahead in the goalkeeping setup.
The 35-year-old goalkeeper has proven a great servant in the Premier League throughout his career, but it remains evidently clear that he may not be able to perform at the top level again.
Certainly, resigning him may save Everton millions in the market but there are no guarantees that Pickford will remain at Goodison Park for the long haul either.
Everton have been linked with potential goalkeeping solutions in recent months, with Danish youngster Mads Hermansen of interest to the Toffees, according to Danish outlet Bold [5 April], and also Club Brugge goalkeeper Senne Lammens as revealed by Het Nieuwsblad [27 January] who both represent sturdy and viable solutions in the long-term due to their age profile, potential and capabilities to become elite number one shot-stoppers.
It is clear Pickford needs some competition in order to raise standards and his own performance level and that wouldn’t be sustainable with a past-his-best understudy in Begovic behind him.
It’s time Everton becomes more proactive and efficient in the transfer market again, and there may be no better way to set the foundations of the squad than by identifying a long-term solution for their goalkeeping department.