Chelsea will reportedly prioritise the pursuit of Everton goalkeeper Jordan Pickford, should Thibaut Courtois were to leave for Real Madrid.
According to Sky Sports, Chelsea have made Jordan Pickford their primary target to replace Thibaut Courtois. The Belgian has been linked with a move to Real Madrid. And if the goalkeeper does end up leaving, the Blues will reportedly prioritise the pursuit of the Everton goalkeeper.
Chelsea have laid down contingency plans in case Thibaut Courtois does leave for Real Madrid. Los Blancos have reportedly agreed personal terms with the Belgian, which makes his departure all the more likely. The Blues have shortlisted three goalkeepers – Jack Butland, Kasper Schmeichel and Jordan Pickford.
Jordan Pickford though, seems to be the priority for Chelsea. The Everton star had a brilliant World Cup campaign. The 24-year-old was one of the heroes for England as the Three Lions managed to reach the semi-finals before ultimately finishing fourth.
At club level, Pickford’s debut season at Everton was not upto the standards he would have set for himself. The Englishman recorded 10 shutouts in the Premier League, but conceded 58 goals in what was a disappointing campaign for the Toffees.
His World Cup exploits though, might see him earn a move to a club of a higher stature. Real Madrid are reportedly interested. But, Los Blancos seem to be finalising the capture of Thibaut Courtois, meaning they would not be moving for the 24-year-old.
Chelsea, though, have made Pickford their primary target. The Blues have been looking to make a domestic star the first-choice goalkeeper at Stamford Bridge should Courtois depart. One reason behind the ideology would be that the goalkeeper would fill up the homegrown quota.
The Blues have already signed Robert Green on a free transfer. But, the player is unlikely to be a replacement for Thibaut Courtois and will be acting as the third-choice at Chelsea.
Chelsea should face resistance from Everton, with new manager Marco Silva looking to rebuild the Toffees squad in order to challenge for the top 6. Even if Chelsea were to open negotiations with Everton for Pickford, the 24-year-old will not come cheap.
Everton paid £30 million for Pickford. With the Englishman having a solid World Cup campaign, it is likely to have doubled his value. Add to it the fact that Liverpool have just shattered the world record as regards the transfer fees for a goalkeeper, and there is a feeling Chelsea would have to reinvest more than what they recoup for Courtois in order to land Pickford.
It will be interesting to see who Chelsea manage to replace Thibaut Courtois with. It seems likely though, that the Blues will have to replace him eventually.
