We knew it was happening and have said as much here. So let’s just record, via the two clubs’ websites, the confirmed departure of Jordan Pickford for Everton. From us? A simple message of good luck – and gratitude for what he did and tried to do for the club we – and he – love.
From safc.com
Goalkeeper Jordan Pickford has completed a £30 million move to Premier League club Everton.
The 23-year-old has signed a five-year deal with the Toffees.
A product of Sunderland’s highly rated Academy, Pickford joined the Black Cats at eight years old. Identified as a prodigious talent by the coaching staff, he progressed through the club’s youth ranks before signing his first professional contract in 2011.
As part of his development programme, he enjoyed loan spells at Darlington, Alfreton Town, Burton Albion, Carlisle United, Bradford City and most recently, Preston North End, before making his Premier League debut in January 2016. Pickford became a mainstay of the Sunderland side during the 2016-17 season, chalking up 29 appearances.
He has represented England from at under-16, under-17, under-18, under-19 , under-20 and under-21 levels, also earning a call up to the full international squad last season.
Chief executive Martin Bain said: “Our aim is to produce more players of the calibre of Jordan in the future. His development is testament to our Academy set up and its hard-working staff, past and present, who identified and nurtured his exceptional talent.
“Everyone at Sunderland wishes Jordan every success in the next stage of his career, which we will follow keenly”.
And from Everton’s site:
* http://www.evertonfc.com/news
Peter Shilton: ‘This sort of money should be spent on goalkeepers. For someone like Jordan, who is young and has great potential, it does not seem a great fee.
JP’s first interview with Everton’s site (no idea how to access it but it may be easy enough if you pretend to be a Toffees supporter): http://www.evertonfc.com/evertontv/archive/2017/06/15/pickfords-first-interview
And …
Jordan Pickford says he is ready for an “exciting time” for him and for Everton after signing a five-year deal with the Blues for a Club-record fee.
The highly-rated goalkeeper has moved to Goodison Park from Sunderland after the first and only negotiations commenced between Everton and the north east club last weekend. A deal was agreed quickly and harmoniously, enabling talks to then begin with the player.
The £25m fee for the 23-year-old could rise to £30m depending on team and individual performances – a British record and third highest fee in the world for any player in that position.
Pickford, who has represented England at every level from Under-16s to Under-21s and received his first call-up to the senior squad in October, was shortlisted for PFA Young Player of the Year last season despite Sunderland’s relegation from the Premier League.
The keeper revealed he was looking forward to getting started at “massive club” Everton – and boosting the Blues with “match-winning saves”.
Speaking to evertonfc.com while on England Under-21 duty in Poland ahead of the European Championships, he said: “It’s great to sign for the Club. Last season was my first in the Premier League so to get this opportunity with Everton now, to be able to go forward with my career and show everyone what I can do with Everton is unbelievable.
“It’s a great club, a massive club and I think it’s a great opportunity and the right time for me to come to Everton and show what I can do.
“This is an exciting time for the Club and for me, too, with the ambition being shown. I just want to be the best I can be to help.”