Understudy to Jordan Pickford extends Everton stay until June 2020
Maarten Stekelenburg has extended his Everton career by another year after he penned a 12-month contract extension on Monday.
The veteran goalkeeper will remain at Goodison Park until June 2020, the Liverpool Echo understands.
Stekelenburg will continue to play second fiddle to first-choice goalkeeper Jordan Pickford, who is yet to return from his holiday after starring for England at the World Cup.
Stekelenburg has kept goal in all of Everton’s six pre-season friendlies so far, and will do so again as the Toffees entertain Valencia at Goodison on Saturday.
That is due to Pickford’s well-earned break not ending until Monday 6th August – at which point he will resume his starting berth for the league opener against Wolves the following weekend.
Stekelenburg was the first signing of Ronald Koeman’s ill-fated spell in charge on Merseyside in the summer of 2016.
The shot stopper had been the subject of interest from Ligue Un club Lille earlier in the summer transfer window.
However, the Blues have secured his services for another two years instead and will utilise the 35-year-old as able back up to Pickford.
Stekelenburg has featured 24 times for Everton since he moved north from Fulham two summers ago and has kept seven clean sheets in those outings.
He was initially drafted in as first choice ahead of Joel Robles under Koeman but injury – and Robles’ form – put paid to his chances of wrestling his place in the side back upon his return.
New boss Marcel Silva wants at least three goalkeepers to be part of his 25-man squad for his first season at the helm.
And rather than splash the cash on an understudy to Pickford, when the money needs to be spent elsewhere, retaining Stekelenburg is a good move to make.
The Netherlands international could well be used as Everton’s cup keeper again this term, like he was utilised last season.
Any chances of seeing Premier League football, however, depend on Pickford’s fitness in general.