Jordan Pickford’s brilliant World Cup campaign thus far has seen the Everton goalkeeper emerge as a shock summer target for Real Madrid.
Spanish publication Don Balon are speculating that Real Madrid have set their sights on another World Cup breakout star. Los Blancos have been searching for a new first-choice goalkeeper. Everton goalkeeper Jordan Pickford’s performances for England at the 2018 FIFA World Cup has seen him emerge as a target for the club.
Jordan Pickford is a name that has been on everyone’s lips at the 2018 FIFA World Cup. But, the Englishman rose to attention in the campaign that saw Sunderland get relegated. Pickford has since earned a move to Everton, with his stock continuously on the rise.
Pickford might have become the first-choice goalkeeper on the back of a loss of form for Joe Hart and injuries to Jack Butland. But, he has since earned the right to be the first-choice with the performances he has been putting in to guard the English goal.
He may have kept just a solitary clean sheet in Russia thus far. But, he was the hero against Colombia and his saves against Sweden were on the money too. It’s been a long while since the designated goalkeeper for England at an international event has been delivering the goods. And this has caught the attention of Real Madrid.
Florentino Perez wants a new first-choice goalkeeper at the club. Andrey Lunin has arrived, but is likely to be given a tertiary role that aids his development. The likes of Thibaut Courtois, Alisson and David De Gea were thought to be the primary targets for Real Madrid.
But, De Gea looks content at Manchester United, having signed an extension. Alisson seems to command a price tag much higher than what Real Madrid are willing to pay. While Thibaut Courtois’s future has been the subject of much speculation, Jordan Pickford’s form looks to have changed Real Madrid’s stance.
Florentino Perez’s recent transfers have shown a tendency to go for the in-form players and stars with a bright and long future. Jordan Pickford fits the bill. Another advantage in pursuit of the Everton star is that the player will be available for €50 million, or so the report says.
Still, Pickford will cost less than the other names on Real Madrid’s wishlist. And judging by form, Pickford looks good for the money being quoted by the report.
Should a club like Real Madrid come knocking, Pickford will surely pay attention to the offer and Everton could be rendered powerless. The Toffees though, will look to pocket a handsome profit on the World Cup star’s rising stock and could use the money to sign a replacement and invest in other areas simultaneously.
