Everton transfer news: Finances could see Jordan Pickford sold as Manchester United line up bid
Jordan Pickford leaving Everton will be down to “finances” if it happens this summer, according to Paul Brown.
The England number one only signed a new contract to remain at Goodison Park on 23 February, sparking derision from some quarters for sticking with the club through ongoing struggles.
Although Sean Dyche kept the club in the Premier League the 29-year-old has emerged as the “top” target for Manchester United [Tutto Mercato Web, 13 June] and could still go, with Erik ten Hag’s side reportedly lining up a £45million bid [Daily Star, 17 June].
The former Daily Star journalist Brown told GIVEMESPORT of the possible departure: “Again, it comes down to finances, really, at Everton. I think Pickford is one of the last players they would like to see leave.
“I think he was incredibly important this season. He saved them on many occasions and just came up big in a lot of key games.”
Worry
Everybody has a price, not least at a club like Everton in their current circumstances, but losing Pickford for anything less than a king’s ransom is the opposite of what Sean Dyche needs this summer.
Seeing Richarlison go to Tottenham a year ago for £60million was a blow, and the hole it ultimately left when Neal Maupay proved unsuitable replacement, almost sent the club down.
So if the stand-in captain was to go too, and for significantly less money, it would surely be hugely damaging, especially when Asmir Begovic has already rejected a contract extension and left as well.
It is currently impossible to tell what the financial situation is like behind the scenes, as the moves from the window of 12 months ago ultimately appear to have triggered the disputed FFP referral from the Premier League.
Nobody arrived in January despite some sizeable offers reportedly being made, and the ongoing situation around MSP Sports Capital arriving as the old board members go leaves a lot up in the air.
Dyche will want to strengthen and while he may need to sell certain names Pickford is surely not one of the ones he is ready to let go.
If the keeper is sold this summer it might signify the financial situation is worse than feared, so in the face of the apparent pressure from Old Trafford fans will be desperate to see him stay.