Everton star Jordan Pickford is England's number one
(Credit: Imago)
Joe Elvin
Wed 11 June 2025 9:30, UK
Everton are preparing for a summer of heavy transition under David Moyes.
The Toffees have released several players following the expiry of their contracts and may yet lose more stars such as Idrissa Gueye in the coming weeks.
That means David Moyes could be busy in this summer’s transfer window, with several new faces needed to replace these outgoing players.
David Moyes
Moyes will be building a new-look Everton squad during this summer’s transfer window (Credit: Imago)
Michael Cooper offered advice following Everton interest
Two goalkeepers, Asmir Begovic and Joao Virginia, have been allowed to leave on a free transfer.
That has led to speculation that the Toffees will make a bid to sign Sheffield United stopper Michael Cooper.
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The 25-year-old was one of the best goalkeepers in the Championship last season, registering 21 clean sheets in 43 appearances. He would be a fantastic signing for Everton if Moyes could tempt him to Merseyside.
However, in an interview with Football League World (11 June), Sky Sports pundit Don Goodman has suggested that this might not be the best move for the keeper.
He said: “Everton may want to sign Michael Cooper, but if it is as a backup to Jordan Pickford, then I don’t think that would be on the table from his point of view.
“So, I can’t see the move happening myself. It may be tempting that he’d be going to a Premier League club. But to go to a Premier League club and sit on the bench, particularly at this stage of his career, I don’t really see that happening.”
Cooper was minutes away from becoming a Premier League goalkeeper at Sheffield United, as they led the Championship playoff final 1-0 at half-time.
However, Sunderland turned the game around at Wembley in the second half, and it’s now expected that several Blades players could seek a move away from Bramall Lane.
Everton
Joao Virginia has been allowed to leave Everton following the expiry of this contract (Credit: Imago)
It will be tough for Cooper to replace Pickford as Toffees number one
There is no doubt that Cooper was one of the standout keepers in the Championship last season.
However, it will be difficult for him to displace Jordan Pickford as Everton’s starting goalkeeper.
Pickford has been the main man ever since signing from Sunderland in 2017.
He’s received some criticism in the last few days, with some pundits doubting Pickford’s potential at international level with England. Still, at age 31, he has plenty of great years in him for the Toffees.
Jordan Pickford Premier League statistics 2024-25
Appearances 38
Clean Sheets 12
Pickford’s record for Everton last season
If Cooper wants to sign for Everton now, he’ll have to be patient before he gets the opportunity to become Everton’s number one.
Most goalkeepers want to be playing every week once they reach their mid-twenties. So, he might be happier remaining at Sheffield United and playing a role in their aim to recover from this season’s playoff disappointment.
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