Jordan Pickford, David Moyes, Everton.
(Credit: Imago)
Goodison News speaking to Bryan King
Tue 15 July 2025 16:10, UK
Jordan Pickford has firmly established himself as Everton’s number one goalkeeper over the last few seasons.
The England star has developed into one of the Premier League’s finest shot stoppers, and he has begun to find the consistency that wasn’t always present in the early stages of his career.
Pickford’s performances have seen him praised on numerous occasions, and it is completely understandable why the 31-year-old is one of the first names on David Moyes’ team sheet.
However, the Toffees have now made an announcement that will surely have the former Sunderland man on his toes as the 2025/26 campaign approaches.
Jordan Pickford Everton
Pickford is one of the Premier League’s best goalkeepers (Credit: Imago)
Everton announce signing of Mark Travers from Bournemouth
Everton have bolstered their goalkeeping department after announcing the signing of Mark Travers from Bournemouth on Tuesday (15 July).
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The Toffees have been desperate to add another option between the posts, with the departures of Asmir Begovic and Joao Virginia having left Pickford as the only senior goalkeeper at the club.
Travers is a capable shot stopper, having impressed during intermittent spells in goal for the Cherries in recent seasons.
Ex-Goodison scout Bryan King – speaking exclusively to Goodison News – believes that Pickford will retain his starting spot for the foreseeable future, but also that Travers’ arrival will keep the Wearsider alert and ready in the early stages of the season.
“It’s always good to have competition between the sticks,” King said.
“Travers won’t be a replacement for Pickford, but rather someone to keep him on his toes, and I’m sure he’s being well-paid for that job too.
“He knows what his job is, he’s got to challenge Pickford for that first-team spot, I’m sure Pickford will continue to get the nod, but if he starts making mistakes, that could change. I think this is a smart bit of business.”
Everton, Travers
Pickford will be kept on his toes by Travers (Credit: Imago)
Travers is capable of stepping up if needed
Travers will surely initially act as Pickford’s understudy, but Moyes and his team should have no concerns about the 26-year-old’s ability if he is called upon.
Season Club Apps Clean Sheets
2024/25 Middlesbrough (Loan) 17 4
2024/25 Bournemouth 5 1
2023/24 Bournemouth 7 3
2023/24 Stoke City (Loan) 14 2
Travers’ stats across the last two seasons
The Irish international has been in and out of the Bournemouth team during the last two campaigns, but he has proven himself to be a reliable goalkeeper when he has featured.
He spent the second half of last season on loan in the Championship with Middlesbrough, and also impressed there, keeping four clean sheets in his 17 appearances.
Travers will likely only be handed cup assignments during the initial stages of his time with Everton, but if Pickford’s standards begin to slip, Moyes should have no qualms about throwing his back-up in at the deep end.
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