2 hours ago
11
Jordan Pickford has signed a new four-year deal with Everton after breaking a long-standing England record.
The Three Lions international, who last week eclipsed Sir Gordon Banks in setting a new record for consecutive clean sheets for his country, last renewed terms with Everton in 2023 – that deal runs to June 2027.
But it has long been Everton's ambition to revamp Pickford's contract – they began to speak to his representatives four weeks ago and were determined to get matters concluded quickly.
Everton have been of the opinion that there isn't another goalkeeper on the market who could do for them what Pickford does and it made economic sense to investment in his consistency and excellence.
The 31-year-old cost Everton a then British record £30million for a goalkeeper, when he joined from Sunderland in June 2017, but that business has proven to be increasingly shrewd.
He made his 300th Premier League appearance for the club earlier this month and the fee that was invested in him was arguably the finest piece of business done during an era of largesse, when Farhad Moshiri was the majority shareholder.
Jordan Pickford has committed his future to Everton, penning a new four-year contract
The goalkeeper recently broke the long-standing record of the most consecutive clean sheets for his country
He has now penned a four-year deal, having made 326 appearances for the club. His new terms could take his stay at the club to 12 years.
Getting Pickford's future secured is a key part of The Friedkin Group's strategy and follows new deals for James Tarkowski and Jarrad Branthwaite – as well as indicating their ambitions.
As one of the leadership group, which also includes Seamus Coleman and Tarkowski, Pickford is responsible for setting the tone and it is widely acknowledged within Finch Farm that he is someone who takes an interest in the well-being of others, making sure they are looked after.
Pickford told EvertonTV of the deal: 'I'm delighted to get it done – it's an extra two years, so four years in total. 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 everyone's seen the changes and how I've developed over time, but I'm still that lad who loves to keep the ball out of the net. It's been Everton who have helped me develop and a lot of hard work's been put in as well.
'It's always felt like a natural fit for me, with the fans and the passion – it's second to none and something I thrive off. It's been a mega journey so far.'
James Garner, the young midfielder who has started the season in outstanding form, will be the next member of the squad whose terms are renegotiated. His current deal runs out at the end of the campaign.
