David Moyes, Michael Cooper.
(Credit: Imago)
Goodison News speaking to Bryan King
Thu 10 July 2025 17:40, UK
Everton are expected to increase their offer for Sheffield United goalkeeper Michael Cooper.
Cooper has spent just one season with Sheffield United, but the Blades are already having to fend off interest for their star man after he enjoyed another fantastic season in the Championship last time out.
Everton have been linked with a move for Cooper over the last few months, as they look to replace the outgoing duo of Asmir Begović and João Virgínia.
David Moyes’ side already have an established number one in Jordan Pickford. However, they now seem keen to add another option who is capable of competing with the England star for his position.
Jordan Pickford
Pickford needs competition at Everton (Credit: Imago)
Everton may increase their offer for Cooper to £6million
Everton are believed to be willing to pay an initial £5million for Cooper, but that figure is seen as unsatisfactory by the Blades.
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The South Yorkshire outfit would require a higher offer before they become open to doing business, and that poses a big decision for the Toffees to make.
The Merseysiders must now assess whether they are willing to part with a fee higher than £5m for a player who would likely spend most of his time on the bench, in the initial stages at least.
Ex-Goodison scout Bryan King – speaking exclusively to Goodison News – believes the Toffees could be willing to increase their potential offering to £6m to provide Pickford with competition.
“I’m not sure he (Cooper) is a long-term replacement,” King said.
“I would’ve thought Everton would sign a more high-profile keeper to replace Pickford. However, Cooper sounds like he could be a solid number two, although Moyes won’t want to pay more than £5m for a number two.
“Everton need a second goalkeeper, and they might increase their offer to £6m, but he’s not an immediate replacement for Pickford. He’ll give him competition. However, Pickford is the number one.”
Moyes will be keen for Everton to sign a backup for Pickford (Credit: Imago)
Cooper needs to play games to develop
The Toffees’ desire to sign Cooper is no surprise, as the gloveman has positioned himself as one of the Football League’s brightest talents over the last few seasons.
Clean Sheets 21 (=2nd)
Save Percentage 76.9% (2nd)
Saves per 90 2.6 (=9th)
Goals Prevented 5.7 (5th)
Goals Conceded per 90 0.8 (3rd)
Cooper compared to Championship goalkeepers last season [Fotmob]
He was undoubtedly one of the top ‘keepers in the Championship again last term, but if he is to achieve the lofty expectations that have been set out for him, he will need to keep playing first-team football regularly.
As a result, it is entirely possible that the former Plymouth Argyle man wouldn’t be keen on the idea of a move to L5.
He has all the ability to become a capable replacement for Pickford at club and potentially international level in the years to come, but for now, he is too far away from the Sunderland-born shotstopper to be able to genuinely threaten his place in the side.
With that in mind, Cooper may prefer to take his first steps in the Premier League at a different club where he is guaranteed to start.
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