Everton have signed goalkeeper Jordan Pickford for a club-record A?25m fee from Sunderland on a five-year deal.
Pickford has signed a five-year contract and moves to Goodison Park for an initial A?25m fee; which could rise to A?30m depending on team and individual performances.
The 23-year-old made his first-team debut with Sunderland in January 2016 and finished last campaign with the club’s Player of the Season award.
Pickford, who is currently with England’s U21 side in Poland ahead of the European Championships; told Everton’s website he can’t wait to show everyone what he can do.
“It’s great to sign for the club” he said. “Last season was my first in the Premier League so to get this opportunity with Everton now. It is great to be able to go forward with my career and show everyone; what I can do with Everton is unbelievable.”
“This is an exciting time for the club and for me, too, with the ambition being shown. I just want to be the best I can be to help.”
Jordan Pickford’s Steady Rise
Pickford made 29 Premier League appearances last season but could not prevent Sunderland being relegated. A product of the Black Cats’ academy – he joined the club aged eight; he has had spells on loan at Darlington, Alfreton Town, Burton Albion, Carlisle United, Bradford City and Preston.
Pickford made his first-team debut for Sunderland in a 3-1 FA Cup defeat by Arsenal in January 2016.
Manager Ronald Koeman added: “Jordan is a very talented young professional who also has a real hunger for success, and that’s important for us as we now look to make further progress in the seasons ahead.”
The deal is an initial A?25m transfer fee with A?5m of potential add-ons, making him the third most expensive keeper ever.
Pickford’s fee smashes the previous record for a British goalkeeper, when Koeman – then Southampton boss – paid A?10m to sign Fraser Forster from Celtic in 2014.
Despite being 23, Pickford is eligible to play for the Under-21s as rules allow a select number of over-aged players in the squad.
