John Textor and Dan Friedkin
(Credit: Getty/Imago)
Evan Shaw
Sun 6 July 2025 13:22, UK
Everton will surely have a new goalkeeper towards the top of their list of transfer priorities this summer.
Asmir Begovic and Joao Virginia both departed the club upon the expiry of their current contracts at the end of June, but that leaves David Moyes badly in need of reinforcements between the posts ahead of the upcoming campaign.
Jordan Pickford has established himself as virtually undroppable with his performances over the last few years, but with the fixture list for Premier League clubs looking as busy as ever, it is important for the Merseysiders to add at least one backup option.
Everton are currently thought to be readying a move for Mike Cooper, and are understood to be prepared to pay Sheffield United in excess of £5million for the impressive shotstopper.
Jordan Pickford Everton
Pickford has cemented his place as Everton’s number one. (Credit: Imago)
Everton should sign John instead of Cooper
Everton have been linked with Cooper for several weeks now, and he would undoubtedly be a fantastic signing for them.
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However, given how irreplaceable Pickford has become in the Toffees’ goal, it seems unwise to bring in a ‘keeper of Cooper’s quality, just to risk him potentially growing frustrated at being sat on the bench week in, week out.
Instead, they should turn their attention towards someone who would likely be a little more prepared to only receive the occasional opportunity to play.
The Toffees are keen on Botafogo ‘keeper John Victor, according to GE Globo (5 June).
However, Manchester United are also interested in the 29-year-old and have made contact with his agent. The Red Devils also watched him in Botafogo’s recent Club World Cup clash with Palmeiras.
Botafogo are owned by John Textor, who tried and failed to buy Everton last year with TFG pipping him to a deal instead.
Everton will have to go all out if they are to beat United to the signing, but if they could secure a deal to bring the Brazilian to the club, it could provide an ideal alternative to Cooper.
John is better suited to a backup role than Cooper
While it is little surprise that Everton are keen on Cooper, Moyes may be better served pursuing Victor to fill the backup slot instead.
Cooper will surely have England aspirations over the next few years, and as a result, he could demand fairly significant wages. He will also be desperate to play games, something Everton can’t guarantee, and that could see Moyes risk jeopardising the positive feeling that he has instilled in the squad.
Apps Goals Conceded Clean Sheets
11 7 6
John’s stats in the Brazilian Serie A in 2025.
As a result, they may be better to pursue Victor instead. The 29-year-old has hardly played outside of his homeland so far in his career, and would surely accept a role with potentially just opportunities to impress in the domestic cups.
On the other hand, Cooper has a very high ceiling, but he would be unlikely to reach that while Pickford remains at the club.
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