Everton are faced with the prospect of having to sell star goalkeeper Jordan Pickford this summer, as the Toffees’ financial crisis deepens.
Chelsea are on alert, as Everton have had to borrow a further £16m from prospective owners 777 Partners, despite the Miami-based investment firm being yet to pass the Premier League’s owners and director’s test.
Pickford to Chelsea: why they want him
Jordan Pickford joined Everton from Sunderland in a £30 million move all the way back in 2017, and has been a rare example of value for money on the blue side of the Mersey under Farhad Moshiri's turbulent era of ownership.
Pickford has been near-everpresent between the posts for the Toffees, and has been heroic in their recent relegation battles.
He’s not just well-regarded at Everton though, with Pickford remaining England’s undisputed number one since 2018, despite robust challenges from Arsenal’s Aaron Ramsdale and Newcastle’s Nick Pope.
Chelsea have struggled for a solid goalkeeper in the last two seasons. Edouard Mendy, Kepa Arrizzabalaga, Robert Sanchez and now Đorđe Petrović have all tried their hand, but none have convinced.
Pickford is incredibly reliable, having only missed 13 of Everton’s last 263 Premier League matches. He is a fine shot-stopper, often keeping the Toffees in games, has an excellent range of passing and is very vocal when organising his defence.
Pickford to Chelsea: why the transfer fee could rocket
Pickford is beloved at Goodison Park, a fact not lost on the Everton hierarchy.
Should the 30-year-old be sold, there would be severe supporter backlash to any move, unless it was for an eye-watering fee that allowed the club to strengthen the squad more broadly. Also, having joined for £30 million, the club would not be happy to make a loss.
But if there has been any side to throw money at their problems in recent years, it is Chelsea. The Blues, under Todd Boehly and Clearlake Capital’s ownership, have spent well in excess of £1 billion over the last two seasons.
In addition, a goalkeeper Pickford’s quality will have no shortage of suitors.
The England man has long been admired at Manchester United. The Red Devils are planning a major clear-out this summer, with Andre Onana's future uncertain, Pickford may become a target for United once again.
To get their man, and prise Pickford away from Goodison Park, Chelsea may need to splash the cash once again.
