Everton set for ‘significant disruption’ if Andy Lonergan quits amid Goodison transfer development
Everton would be in for a “significant disruption” if Andy Lonergan was to quit Goodison Park this summer, according to Liverpool Echo journalist Joe Thomas.
The goalkeeper has been offered a new contract by the Toffees, with his current deal entering its final days, but his future remains up in the air.
Thomas added that the club have started the search for a back-up to Jordan Pickford after Asmir Begovic left Goodison.
“With Begovic having already departed, the loss of Lonergan – should he turn down the deal that has been offered – would cause significant disruption to a goalkeeping unit that has been the most successful part of the Everton squad over two difficult years,” Thomas wrote for the Liverpool Echo.
“The search for a number two to replace Begovic – whether that be through the transfer market or the fleet of young goalkeepers looking to step up at the club – has already begun.
“Lonergan provides much-needed stability and experience that will be important for whoever settles into that role – something that will become even more crucial should Pickford’s future come into question.”
Instability
Everton’s goalkeeping department has been tight-knit for many years now, but that stability has been under strain in recent times, namely due to the exit of Begovic.
The veteran shot-stopper left upon the expiry of his new contract and is now in search of a new challenge. And that situation could be repeated with Lonergan, with his Goodison future very much up in the air.
Things are also complicated on Merseyside due to the uncertainty surrounding number one Pickford, with the England international seemingly attracting interest from a handful of top clubs.
It’s not an issue that Toffees boss Sean Dyche will have wanted, but when in the dugout at a club like Everton, it was always going to be an issue that the manager would need to deal with.
He will be trying his best to bring in new faces to keep Everton fans happy ahead of the upcoming campaign, but keeping hold of current players, particularly Pickford, is just as valuable as new arrivals.
In other Everton news, the Toffees have made an approach to sign a £21million centre-forward this summer.