Everton's Jordan Pickford and Leeds United's Karl Darlow

Jordan Pickford and Karl DarlowImago

Jordan Pickford plan emerges as Everton offer Karl Darlow out-of-no-where contract

Correspondent AUTHORITY Sports journalist with experience at the Northern Echo and Durham Cricket Club; Teesside University graduate. FOCUS Long-form opinion and deep-dive content across the Breaking Media network. THE INSIGHT Jacob utilises a network of club and industry contacts to deliver verified, analytical reporting. He provides in-depth opinion and insight to ensure fans get beyond the headlines and into the detail.

Published on:

03 Jul 2026, 3:10 pm

Jordan Pickford could have serious competition at Everton next season if the club signs Karl Darlow.

The Blues have been quick to make a move on their first summer signing of the window, bringing in Middlesbrough's Hayden Hackney to strengthen the midfield.

David Moyes is keen to upgrade a multitude of areas this summer, though the goalkeeping position may not have crossed the minds of Evertonians.

Pickford is currently away with England for this year's World Cup and has left some questioning his future as the number one for the Three Lions.

The Englishman will no doubt be the first-choice starter at Hill Dickinson next season, but the Toffees may be hoping to provide him with better competition than current number two, Mark Travers.

That seems to be the case after emerging reports suggest that Everton have indeed offered Darlow a contract after his contract with Leeds United expired at the end of June.

Everton's plan for Jordan Pickford amid Karl Darlow offer

According to the Daily Mail on Friday, Everton have offered Darlow a contract, with him now a free agent

Manchester United are also keen on the 35-year-old, whose also held talks with Tottenham recently.

The former Newcastle United shot-stopper has racked up 74 appearances in the Premier League across his career and has experience in the top flight.

It's said that the Blues are looking to provide Pickford with greater competition for the number one spot next season, as they want to try to get even more out of their England international.

Leeds are hoping to keep Darlow at Elland Road, as the Welsh international became Daniel Farke's number one option last season after impressive performances.

Everton show clever strategy as Jordan Pickford may face Karl Darlow threat

What the future holds for Mark Travers

While Pickford will most likely stay as Moyes' number one goalkeeping option between the sticks, Travers' future is less certain.

Reports suggesting the Irishman is on Coventry City's radar make Everton's offer to Darlow make total sense.

Travers is expected to leave Everton this summer in search of game time, and if Darlow were to join, he'd be pushed even further down the pecking order.

The Toffees could make a profit on the former Bournemouth keeper, all while bringing in his replacement for free.

Tottenham Hotspur Football Club