Jordan Pickford should become Everton’s top earner after record-breaking twist
Jordan Pickford has written himself into the England history books once more following an impressive shutout in their 3-0 friendly win against Wales.
Jordan Pickford has become known as one of England‘s greatest ever goalkeepers thanks to his impressive international exploits since his debut back in 2017.
The 31-year-old is also a modern-day Everton legend, and he has enjoyed some of the best form of his career so far in recent seasons, with 13 and 12 league clean sheets in the previous two campaigns respectively.
It has emerged that Everton are opening formal talks with Pickford over a new contract, with his current deal on Merseyside set to expire in July 2027. Sources have told Football Insider that a resolution in discussions is expected soon.
He has continued to be a key asset to their upturn in form this season, and carried those showings over to international duty as he made history for England against Wales on Thursday (9 October).
Pickford becomes first England goalkeeper to keep a clean sheet in eight consecutive full appearances
Pickford was named in Thomas Tuchel’s starting eleven as England beat Wales 3-0 at Wembley on Thursday night, and he preserved his clean sheet by making two smart saves in the second-half.
He has started in all but one of England’s last nine games, and his shutout against the Dragons saw Pickford make history by becoming the first keeper ever to keep a clean sheet in eight consecutive 90 minute appearances for the men’s national side ahead of the legendary Gordon Banks.
Three Lions boss Tuchel praised the 31-year-old after the game, saying: “It’s not easy to stay focused in a dominant first half like that. Have basically nothing to do, then suddenly, I think in the 42nd minute, there’s situation where it always can be dangerous. And second half, he had a very difficult save to close his legs very fast.
“He’s a fantastic shot stopper. There is no doubt about it. He kept his composure. He kept calm. This is basically what we demand of him. He stayed calm, kept his focus.
“It’s like, always a team effort, and I think he’s happy to share this with at least the defenders in front of him. But with a defensive approach that we make it the least saves possible from him, but he’s doing good. Well done, congratulations. Fantastic achievement.”
Everton need Pickford to sign a new contract as soon as possible
Pickford is now England’s undisputed number one, despite calls over the years to give other shot-stoppers a chance regardless of his strong form for club and country.
He has rarely ever let the Three Lions down, and even created history last year as he recorded his eleventh major international tournament clean sheet in Euro 2024 to break Peter Shilton’s long-standing record.
Everton have now opened contract talks with Pickford as they look to extend his stay on Merseyside, but there is no agreement in place.
Owners the Friedkin Group are believed to be intent on extending his contract for at least another two years, but the club reportedly plan to stick to their current wage structure, meaning he may not receive a significant increase on his current £120,000 weekly wages.
They are, however, reportedly willing to offer him an incentive-driven deal that could become more lucrative if the Toffees qualify for Europe, with David Moyes’ side currently sitting eighth in the top-flight after seven games.
Getting him tied down should be the club’s biggest priority right now, as he has been their most consistent performer in recent years and deserves to be their highest earner.