How much could Everton bank for Tottenham target Jordan Pickford - and would they sell?
and on Freeview 262 or Freely 565
It was a transfer rumour that caught plenty off guard.
A rumour that didn’t make sense but is highly fathomable at the same time.
According to The Telegraph, Antonio Conte has put Jordan Pickford on his wish list as he begins his Tottenham revolution.
Advertisement
Hide AdAdvertisement
Hide AdThe Everton keeper’s said to be earmarked at Hugo Lloris’ successor in east London, with the Frenchman now 35 and entering his twilight years.
At a glance: 5 key points
- Pickford came through the ranks at Sunderland and spent time on loan from non-league to the Championship.
- He made his debut for the Black Cats in January 2016 before establishing himself as first choice the following season.
- Pickford earned a £25 million switch to Everton in the summer of 2017.
- In total, he has made 172 appearances at Goodison Park.
Advertisement
Hide AdAdvertisement
Hide Ad- The 27-year-old is also England’s number one and kept five sheets as Gareth Southgate’s side lost the Euro 2020 final on penalties to Italy in the summer.
Whether it’s tittle-tattle or Spurs make a concrete move for Pickford is a different question.
But arguably Everton’s third most bankable asset behind Richarlison and Dominic Calvert-Lewin, what sort of fee could be expected for Pickford if a bid was lodged?
And, more importantly, would the Blues even contemplate a sale?
Advertisement
Hide AdAdvertisement
Hide AdRamsdale barometer
If Everton were happy to sell, there is precedent they can follow when it comes to a fee.
There has been plenty of rave reviews for Aaron Ramsdale this season since his summer move to Arsenal.
Plenty have clamoured for Gareth Southgate to dislodge Pickford in favour of the 23-year-old for England given his form.
However, that's yet to be the case. Pickford's place as first choice for the Three Lions remains.
Advertisement
Hide AdAdvertisement
Hide AdSurely, then, he should command a higher price tag than Ramsdale. After all, Pickford's a Euro 2020 finalist and 2018 World Cup semi-finalist.
Arsenal splashed out up to £30 million for Ramsdale in the summer - and that was after he suffered relegation with Sheffield United and went down with Bournemouth the previous campaign.
Given Pickford is in his peak years and with two years left on his contract, Everton would be well within their right to demand more. They’d hold the bargaining chips.
Most expensive keepers
So, let's put an estimate on what the Toffees would demand.
Advertisement
Hide AdAdvertisement
Hide AdTaking into account his age, contract length, how much he was purchased for and international status, Everton, you would think, would be looking for at least £40 million. That might even be an underestimation.
Still, if £40 million was correct, that would place see him as the fifth-most expensive keeper in history.
Kepa Arrizabalaga's £72 million switch from Athletic Bilbao to Chelsea in 2018 still holds that record. The Stamford Bridge side still rue such deal.
Next is Alisson, who Liverpool paid £56.25m for the same summer.
Advertisement
Hide AdAdvertisement
Hide AdStaggeringly, Gini Buffon's move to Juventus from Parma in 2001 remains third. The Old Lady paid £47.6 million - which is more than £80 million today when you take inflation into account. In fairness, they got their money’s worth and more.
Fourth spot is currently Ederson, who cost Man City £36 million in 2017.
Would Everton want to sell?
In hypothetical terms, Spurs have tabled a suitable bid that’s met the Blues’ valuation.
Then it would come down to whether Everton would be happy to give the green light.
Advertisement
Hide AdAdvertisement
Hide AdIn truth, could Benitez and Marcel Brands find an adequate replacement?
Pickford’s distribution is one of his main assets and is perfect for the Spaniard’s swift counter-attacking style.
Granted, he’s had his ups and downs on Merseyside, he’s made his share of errors, but the ex-Preston loanee has matured markedly in the past 12 months. You get the impression there’s still plenty more to come.
Advertisement
Hide AdAdvertisement
Hide AdWhen it comes to succeeding Seamus Coleman as captain, Pickford’s name would have to be in the mix.
But then there’s the financial side of things. We know that Benitez has been hamstrung since his summer arrival and been forced to bear the brunt of the profligacy of his predecessors.
By his own admission, financial fair play rules ‘killed’ Everton during the transfer window.
A big-money sale of Pickford would free up significant funds that could be reinvested in other areas of the squad.
There would be plenty to ponder.
Comment Guidelines
National World encourages reader discussion on our stories. User feedback, insights and back-and-forth exchanges add a rich layer of context to reporting. Please review our Community Guidelines before commenting.