Everton’s start to the Premier League campaign has been a tough one, with their only win coming in the EFL Cup to Doncaster Rovers.
Other than that, the Toffees were well-beaten home and away against Brighton and Hove Albion and Tottenham Hotspur, before then twice blowing a two-goal lead to AFC Bournemouth and Aston Villa.
Their defence has been notoriously poor, shipping 13 goals, and thus Jordan Pickford has been taking plenty of blame for such a torrid run.
However, few would have expected his future to hang in the balance because of this run.
Everton could sell Jordan Pickford
Taking to his Patreon, reporter Alan Nixon has delivered a shock transfer update surrounding Goodison Park.
He suggests that, despite being Everton’s long-time number one, Pickford could be on the chopping block after a tough campaign thus far.
The journalist writes: ‘Jordan Pickford’s Everton place is on the line – with boss Sean Dyche looking at a potential replacement.
‘Pickford is England’s number one but he is now under massive pressure at Goodison where Dyche has been unhappy with his recent displays.
‘The Goodison reign of Pickford may come to an end as the manager is looking to shake him up after his return from the Euros with England.
‘Dyche fancies Newcastle United’s Nick Pope, who played for him at Burnley and whose name is often dropped when the Toffees chief criticises Pickford.
‘Pope could be available at the Toon where they see Burnley’s James Trafford as their ideal long term signing and future first choice.
‘Dyche is in the mood for a change and could even promote from within in the coming weeks and up to the next transfer window.
‘Number two Joao Virginia and even veteran Asmir Begovic will get the chance to impress in the Carabao Cup and could push their claims for a start in the Premier League.’
Chelsea were sniffing around Jordan Pickford in the summer, but nothing of note materialised.
Jordan Pickford is too important for Everton to lose
Regardless of who they got in, there’s no way that they would be able to save Everton like Pickford has across the last few years.
It’s rare that a goalkeeper can be so active and at the forefront of his team’s relegation hopes, yet that is exactly what has happened, somehow making himself the outstanding hero and justifiably winning the club’s Player of the Season award three years running.
He may have endured a tough opening month in the Premier League, but his erratic and rash nature makes him prone to such runs.
Equally, these are the traits that set him apart from other shot-stoppers, and what have allowed him to stand out, with pundit Trevor Sinclair describing him as ‘one of the best goalkeepers in the world at the moment’ back in 2021.
And, it’s hardly like he can be solely to blame for the 3.3 goals they’re conceding a game on average, given he is averaging 3.3 saves per game as well, via Sofascore.
Pickford could, and likely will finish his career as an Everton hero. Jumping ship during a poor run of form makes little sense.
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