Everton completed their first signing of the summer transfer window on 15 June 2017, by capturing the talented English goalkeeper, 23-year-old, Jordan Pickford for a fee of £25 million with a possibility of the deal rising up to £30 million including add-ons. With the Toffees’ goalkeeper being a major concern during the 2016/17 campaign, Ronald Koeman looked to strengthen this area of weakness at the back.
Even with his previous Sunderland side getting relegated last season with a mere 24 points, Jordan Pickford managed to make the second- highest number of saves of the season (135) behind Tom Heaton (141). After signing for the Toffees, here is what the Englishman had to say:
“Last season was my first in the Premier League so to get this opportunity with Everton now, to be able to go forward with my career and show everyone what I can do with Everton is unbelievable.”
Fantasy Football Potential
With Koeman swapping between Joel Robles and Maarten Stekelenburg in goal last season, Jordan Pickford can come in as the assured No.1 for the 2017/18 campaign. Pickford proved to be a fantastic value option in Fantasy Premier League at a price of 4.0m at the start of last season. He finished the season at 4.2m and therefore, was a great goalkeeping asset to many fantasy managers.
The Englishman had the ability to pick up save points as well as additional bonus points, ranking him fourth for bonus points among the goalkeepers with nine. However, Pickford will have extra protection in front of him next season unlike the Black Cats’ weak defence. The likes of Ashley Williams, Phil Jagielka and Ramiro Funes Mori offer plenty of experience in the Toffees’ central defence.
Idrissa Gueye being one of the best defensive midfield players in the league with his great tackles and interceptions is another defensive asset for Everton. This just goes to prove that Pickford’s number of saves are likely to decline, making him rely more on clean sheets to attract Fantasy Premier League managers next season.
Pickford might possibly be priced at 4.5m or up to 5.0m in the new Premier League campaign. With Everton having testing fixtures at the start of the season against the top teams in the league, not many managers will have faith in the young Englishman. However, he could probably make his way to the bench of many managers in the first five gameweeks and come in gameweeks six to eight, to pocket those clean sheets and prove his potential.
The recent signing of Burnley’s Michael Keane adds to the Toffees’ backline. But the addition of Pickford should undoubtedly boost Everton’s rear-guard. Pickford’s agility and shot-stopping have marked him out at an early stage in his career. With such an experienced defensive line in front of him, the Englishman is set to be a key factor in Fantasy Premier League once again as the new season kicks off.
If you have enjoyed this early view of the fantasy potential of those moving teams this transfer window, be sure to check the others here.
By Nekzad Bajan (@nekzaDd)
