Sean Dyche responds to Jordan Pickford exit rumours at Everton
Everton boss Sean Dyche has played down talk of an exit for Jordan Pickford from Goodison Park this summer
In quotes reported by the Daily Mirror’s print edition (2 May, page 62), Dyche described his 30-year-old goalkeeper as “the fabric of Everton”.
The England international was linked with a move to Chelsea by The Boot Room (1 May), while Fabrizio Romano says it is one to watch [2 May], but Dyche seems confident Pickford is settled at Goodison Park.
“I think he’s genuinely happy here, settled as part of Everton – the fabric of Everton,” the Blues boss said.
“He’s in a healthy place … his life meets his professional life. There’s always a balance to that, which is an important factor.
“He’s delivered important performances, he’s had a couple of things go against him which can happen as a ‘keeper, and he handles that side of it well and stays focused.
“Jordan believes in the team and how they work.”
Everton have now confirmed their place in the Premier League next season having won their last three matches.
Pickford’s seventh season at Goodison will shortly be followed by a crucial UEFA Euro 2024 tournament with the Three Lions.
Sean Dyche confident Jordan Pickford will stay at Everton
It’s now a long time since Pickford made his status irreplaceable for Everton – he has been a virtual ever-present.
His time at Goodison Park reflects his undisputed podium as England’s number one, and he has shown on numerous occasions his penchant for the biggest stage.
At some point or another, many fans will have been forgiven for expecting Pickford to move on.
Heavily linked with clubs such as Tottenham last summer, Pickford instead remained at Goodison Park and having signed a new contract in February 2023 it would take a big offer to convince Everton to sell.
It’s high time Pickford was commonly agreed on as an Everton legend. Whilst he may not have the trophies to show for it like Goodison’s famous sons of the past, one dreads to consider how poorly the club’s chaos may have escalated had he moved elsewhere.
His unwavering commitment, work ethic and charisma resonates with the Toffees terraces – it has been talked up by both Dyche and Gareth Southgate, for whom Pickford remains one of England’s most reliable performers.
In other Everton news, the club are considering offering Sammie Szmodics a route to the Premier League.
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