Jordan Pickford could be the goalkeeper who leads Everton into the club's new stadium after extending his stay on Merseyside.
The 28-year-old has signed a new contract with the Blues, committing to a four-and-a-half year deal that will take him to the summer of 2027 - well after the club's proposed move to a landmark waterfront development. The development comes as a significant boost for both manager Sean Dyche and director of football Kevin Thelwell as one of the dressing room's most respected figures provides a vote of confidence in their ambitions for the club.
Negotiations began some months ago and continued after Dyche's arrival, the new manager speaking to the England number one to set out his vision and the role he believes Pickford can play in delivering it. They have been concluded even with Everton facing another relegation battle and amid rumoured interest in Pickford from clubs such as Tottenham Hotspur.
READ MORE: 'He made it very clear' - Sean Dyche lifts lid on Jordan Pickford talks about Everton future
READ MORE: Sean Dyche sets out Dominic Calvert-Lewin plan as Everton striker ruled out of Aston Villa clash
Pickford came to the fore during Everton's gruelling survival fight last season. His form had been impressive for some time for club and country but he then produced a series of stunning performances in his club's time of need. Everton's escape from trouble began with the win over Chelsea that was inspired by Pickford's save from Cesar Azpilicueta - later voted the official Premier League 'save of the season' - and the point blank stop from Antonio Rudiger seconds later.
In the following game he was sublime again as Everton secured a vital three points at Leicester City. During this period his leadership credentials also became clear, then manager Frank Lampard giving him the captain's armband for the first time in his career in the trip to Burnley that ended in defeat last March. With club captain Seamus Coleman recovering from summer surgery, Pickford began this season as captain. His form continued with notable saves from Liverpool's Darwin Nunez and Fulham's Willian among the highlights.
Efforts to prevent Pickford from entering the final 12 months of his contract this summer began months ago but progress stuttered, particularly around the World Cup. Pickford was always understood to be happy at Everton, which he joined in a club record deal in the summer of 2017. He has now committed his future and his new deal is understood to not include a relegation release clause.
It is a coup for Thelwell, following a difficult January transfer window, and a sign that one of Everton's most important players views Dyche's new regime positively.
Welcoming the new deal, Thelwell said: “Jordan is one of the best goalkeepers in world football, so it is a significant boost for us to have a player of his quality and talent commit his long-term future to the club. He has proven to be a first-rate player for Everton and England over many years and his attitude, focus and leadership continues to be exemplary. Since signing him in 2017, our chairman has built a strong relationship with Jordan and his representatives, and this played a big and important part in us getting this new contract agreed. I’m sure that every Evertonian will be delighted to hear this news and excited to know that Jordan remains an integral part of our plan to move Everton forward.”
READ NEXT
Steven Defour opens up on private Onana talks and busts myth over Sean Dyche
Everton and Leeds United hit with FA charge after Goodison Park 'mass confrontation'
Sean Coleman makes honest Everton admission and sends relegation plea to fans
Jordan Pickford close to signing new contract in huge boost for Everton
