Everton have agreed a deal for goalkeeper Jordan Pickford, which with add-ons could rise to £30 million.
The Press Association understands Sunderland accepted an offer from the Merseyside club for the 23-year-old, who was one of the few bright spots in a terrible campaign for the Black Cats.
When completed, the deal will make Pickford the third most expensive goalkeeper in history, behind only Gianluigi Buffon and Ederson – the man who took top spot with his £34 million move to Manchester City this week.
4.7 – Jordan Pickford made more saves per game (4.7) in the @premierleague last season than any other goalkeeper (min. 3 apps). Busy. pic.twitter.com/FDqUgz0EuH
— OptaJoe (@OptaJoe) June 13, 2017
To many people, the fee seems a bit over the top.
Petr Cech: £11m
David De Gea: £18m
Manuel Neuer: £19m
Navas, Ter Stegan and Oblak combined: £29.6mJordan Pickford: £30m pic.twitter.com/zqjzrfQjbR
— Freddie (@Beardamendi) June 13, 2017
It means Pickford cost more than the likes of David de Gea and Manuel Neuer. Oh, and somebody else.
£30m for Jordan Pickford doesn't seem so bad when you remember it's what Spurs paid for Moussa Sissoko, and Pickford is a better midfielder.
— Jonny Sharples (@JonnyGabriel) June 13, 2017
The £30 million price tag has left many people wondering about the Manchester United goalkeeper though, who is rumoured to still be of interest to Real Madrid.
If Jordan Pickford cost £30m then David de Gea is priceless!
— CHAMP12NS?? (@HaIaRonaldo) June 13, 2017
Everton spending £30m on Jordan Pickford? David de Gea is worth £100m+ then. Also makes £89m for Paul Pogba look like a steal.
— The Peoples Person (@PeoplesPerson_) June 13, 2017
Jordan Pickford: £30m
David de Gea: £17.5mHow much is David de Gea worth today?
— United Report (@ManUtdReport_) June 13, 2017
The move to Merseyside also makes Pickford one of the most expensive English players ever, level with Rio Ferdinand and Luke Shaw. But given some of the players who’ve ended up in the Premier League over recent seasons for hefty money, a lot of people don’t consider this a bad deal for Everton.
I might be mental but Jordan Pickford for £30m isn't bad
Otamendi £38m, Benteke £32.5m, Sissoko £30m, Carroll £30m, Bony £27m, Soldado £25m— Fat Piqué (@Terry_Nutkin) June 13, 2017
If Jordan Pickford is as quality a prospect as everyone says then £30m will be good business for #Everton
— Dan Walker (@mrdanwalker) June 13, 2017
While others believe there’s definitely an extra few million added on because of his nationality…
If Jordan Pickford was from Belgium or Spain or Canada he would be a £10m player, there is still a crazy premium for British players
— Paul (@Paul_725) June 13, 2017
If this Jordan Pickford transfer doesn't prove how over rated English players are, then nothing will.
— Martin Christer (@MChrister23) June 13, 2017
Pickford made his Premier League debut in January 2016, which – because of loan spells – meant he’d played in all of England’s top five divisions by the age of 21.
The Sunderland academy player will become the most expensive British goalkeeper in history when the move is completed, and is currently in Poland with the England Under-21′s preparing for the Euros.