Photo by Jose Manuel Alvarez/Quality Sport Images/Getty Images
Photo by Jose Manuel Alvarez/Quality Sport Images/Getty Images
Chelsea could sign a new goalkeeper before the summer deadline, and Diogo Costa is being strongly linked with a move to Stamford Bridge. But Shay Given has suggested a better option.
As things stand, Chelsea have Robert Sanchez between the sticks. Gabriel Slonina, Filip Jorgensen and Mike Penders sit behind Sanchez, though Jorgensen is expected to go and Slonina is due to follow him.
But at the end of last season, the priority for many Chelsea fans would have been a new goalkeeper. The Blues had to endure mistake after mistake from Sanchez, and it is a surprise a keeper hasn’t been signed.
Especially when others have. Leeds are set to sign James Trafford; Newcastle have got Lukas Hornicek, and others have made signings. Now, Chelsea are in ‘advanced talks’ to sign Portugal’s no.1 Costa.
Shay Given’s suggestion is better for Chelsea than Diogo Costa
Costa would be a stunning signing. Still only 26, Costa was once labelled “the best in the world” by Vitor Baia. But his club success has come in Porto, in a side that dominates the ball and wins most games.
Newcastle United v Everton FC - Premier League
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Indeed, Porto are Liga NOS champions after Chelsea managerial target Francesco Farioli guided Porto to the league title. Chelsea would be a whole lot better served bringing in a Premier League expert.
Jordan Pickford would be exactly that. Chelsea were linked with England’s no.1 at the start of the window, and now pundit Given has urged Xabi Alonso’s side to sign Pickford, during a chat with Boyle Sports.
“Maybe Jordan is happy where he is. You’d think Chelsea would be on the phone tomorrow and jump at the chance to sign him if given any encouragement. It does surprise me that we don’t see any rumours.
Jordan Pickford playing for Everton vs Chelsea
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“Some of the saves he produces are just phenomenal. He’s a bit of a ‘Steady Eddie’, and if you think I’m playing him down, I’m not. I’m playing him up. When you’ve got a goalkeeper that steady, it’s a real plus.
“He’s got a real personality. Some people say it can spill over at times, but it shows his passion, hunger and desire. It’s his will to win; you can’t coach that or teach it. It’s just who he is; I don’t mind that at all.”
Costa or Pickford? It might come down to a transfer fee
One fact is that these two are among the best goalkeepers in the world. Costa is probably the best shot-stopper outside of Europe’s top five leagues at the moment, while Pickford seems to get better with age.
Diogo Costa's and Robert Sanchez's stats
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Costa has age on his side, but he would likely cost his full release clause. The Porto star signed a contract extension towards the end of last year that includes a £51m fee. Chelsea have already spent about £300m.
More big-money signings will only be possible if the club can sell. Trevoh Chalobah looks set to depart for a £30m fee to Como. Pickford is older at 32, but that seems to be something Chelsea want this summer.
It is still young for a goalkeeper, and Pickford boasts huge Premier League experience. A leadership that Chelsea lack in defence. Likely to cost a smaller fee, Pickford suits Chelsea better at this moment in time.