Everton plan for Douglass Lukjanciks emerges after George Pickford developments
Douglass Lukjanciks could be in line for a promotion at Everton.
The Under-18s goalkeeper has impressed at Finch Farm this season, particularly when he saved three penalties in Everton’s FA Youth Cup shootout win over West Ham.
A report from Liverpool Echo on 15 February claims that Lukjanciks is primed to take over the role of Under-21s goalkeeper, with George Pickford on loan at Southport.
It states that there is a sense on Merseyside that the 18-year-old is ready to make the step up to the next level.
Douglass Lukjanciks set to move up to replace Pickford
Pickford, who is no relation to Jordan Pickford, is starring on loan at Southport, making an impression in a 5-1 win in his first appearance.
That opens the door for Lukjanciks, who the report claims is set to play in Everton U21’s Premier League International Cup campaign going forward.
It also states that he is still set to play a part with the Under-18s, despite the move up to feature for Paul Tait’s side.
Why Everton are well stocked for the next decade at goalkeeper
The Toffees should not need to sign another goalkeeper for the next decade if things go well, with Pickford and Lukjanciks’ development.
The former looks like he is set to thrive on loan with the National League North side, while the latter is set to reap the benefits of his exit, by making the step up to replace him.
If they develop as they should, and get a regular taste of senior football away from the Hill Dickinson Stadium, one of them should be ready to take over from the senior Pickford when he is ready to walk away from the game.
They also have Goodness Gospel-Eze and Seve Patrick impressing in the Under-18s, so David Moyes will surely be keeping a close eye on things in the academy, especially when it comes to between the sticks in the next few years.
His eventual next number one may well come from there, it may just be a question of which one will make the step up, Pickford or Lukjanciks.
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