Photo by Carl Recine/Carl Recine/Getty Images
Photo by Carl Recine/Carl Recine/Getty Images
Everton goalkeeper Jordan Pickford has reportedly emerged as a target for Bayern Munich.
The England number one is now into his 10th season at Everton after signing for the club from Sunderland.
It has been a superb spell, with Jordan Pickford having played a huge part in the Toffees remaining a Premier League club. On a couple of occasions Everton have flirted with danger, but the consistency of Pickford has helped prevent relegation.
Pickford signed a new contract at Everton last year, committing him to the club until the summer of 2029 – but there are now suggestions that Bayern might test the Toffees’ resolve.
Everton goalkeeper Jordan Pickford wanted by Bayern Munich
Alan Nixon has reported via his Patreon that Jordan Pickford has emerged as a target for German giants Bayern Munich.
He writes that their manager Vincent Kompany has been gathering information on the 32-year-old from ‘old pals’ in the game, with a shortlist being drawn up. Bart Verbruggen of Brighton is also catching their eye.
Bayern need a long-term replacement for Manuel Neuer, who is now 40.
Interestingly, Nixon writes that while Pickford is under a long contract at Everton, ‘a big bid would tempt them to sell and the keeper could also fancy the challenge’. The lure of Champions League football could also be a factor for the player, having never played in the competition before.
At the moment there is no word on a specific asking price for Pickford, who recently recorded his 100th clean sheet in the Premier League.
Why Everton fans can expect Pickford to stay
Bayern may admire Pickford, but it will be hard work for them to prise him away from Hill Dickinson Stadium.
When he signed his new contract at Everton, Pickford spoke about building a legacy at the club. He said: “I’m over the moon and it gives me the opportunity to build a legacy for myself here, move forward and build this club to where we want to be.
“Everton is a really special club to me. Coming from Sunderland as a young lad and growing into a man here, it’s been a special time for me and my family.
“I think the dark days are behind us and it’s about building that momentum as a team and the club now.”
Pickford also spoke about potentially surpassing Neville Southall one day. He added: “I want to keep building that legacy.
Jordan Pickford for Everton (2017-present)
Appearances – 365
Clean sheets – 105
Goals conceded – 500
“You know, [Neville] Southall is the great at Everton and I don’t want to be too far behind him, if not in front of him, when my time comes to an end.”
Leaving for Bayern would not allow him to do that, so Evertonians can be optimistic about him staying put. Pickford has never opened the door to a move and while Bayern would be a lure for any player, the chance to become the greatest Everton goalkeeper ever must also be a real temptation.
He is well on his way to becoming a club legend, if he isn’t already. If he left for Bayern, plenty of fans would not see him that way.