Everton set to lose George Pickford as contract expires
Everton could lose u21 goalkeeper George Pickford for a nominal fee as his contract enters the final six months.
The 18-year-old, who has trained with the first team and won a Premier League 2 player of the month award for his performances before Christmas, is expected to leave the club amid interest from Germany, according to reports.
The move would be a blow to Everton, who have been more proactive in tying down young players to longer contracts in recent years. The likes of Braiden Graham, Malik Olayiwola, Douglass Lukjanciks, and Harrison Armstrong have all signed three year deals at the club after turning 17.
Pickford has been Everton’s first choice u21 goalkeeper but being a Premier League youth player in the position is a tough gig. It is rare for a player to break into the first team and Pickford may have watched Harry Tyrer’s opportunities blocked before the 23-year-old signed permanently for Cardiff this January.
Goalkeepers traditionally enjoy several lower league loans before breaking through in England. Jordan Pickford played at Alfreton, Darlington, Burton Albion, Carlisle, Bradford and Preston before making his breakthrough at Sunderland.
Players such as Nick Pope, Aaron Ramsdale and David Raya all played for non-league sides on loan before making their first team debut, with all three beginning with clubs lower down the divisions before stepping up the Premier League.
It means Pickford may believe his future is best served somewhere where he can immediately gain first team football action.
The move will not leave Everton short on goalkeepers at u21 and u18 level. Northern Ireland u21 goalkeeper Fraser Barnsley is enjoying a loan spell at National League North side Marine, where has been instrumental in their playoff push.
Lukjanciks impressed with three penalty saves in the recent FA Youth Cup and the England youth goalkeeper is highly rated at the club. Meanwhile, u18 goalkeeper Goodness Gospel-Eze has been recalled from a hugely successful loan spell at Burscough where the 17-year-old excelled in his first taste of men’s football.
In a statement, Burscough said: “Burscough football club would not like to only wish Goodie a massive good luck but we would like to thank him for some great memories in the short amount of time he’s been here. In the time he’s been here, he’s been a massive personality and a great keeper. He will be hugely missed on and off the field. We will continue to support and watch as his career progresses as we know how far he can go. What a player, what a kid.”
Everton also boast Seb Patrick at u18 level, as well as England u15s goalkeeper Rueben Savvas in younger age groups. Savvas joined the club for a fee reported to be around £200,000 from city rivals Liverpool in a coup for the academy.