Everton secured the services of sign Robin Olsen on loan on the transfer deadline day of the summer transfer window. The rallying cry for a new keeper to challenge Jordan Pickford was finally heard. In Olsen and Pickford, Everton now had two competent keepers pushing each other to the limits.
Pickford has been unchallenged in Everton goal since his move from Sunderland in 2017. The Toffees were without a strong backup until Olsen arrived. Pickford has been terrific, especially in the second half of the campaign.
Olsen’s arrival alerted Pickford that he is not the undisputed starter between the sticks. Carlo Ancelotti has rotated both his keepers with Olsen playing 9 games so far and Pickford playing 25.
Recently, the Swedish keeper and his family became a victim of a terrifying attack at his residence by a machete gang. Olsen was with his wife and two kids as the masked men raided the house and stole a luxury watch and some expensive jewellery.
Thankfully, no one was hurt during the incident but it could leave a lasting psychological impact on Olsen and his family as his wife and kids felt traumatized and wished to return to their home in Sweden.
A few weeks ago, Everton boss Carlo Ancelotti’s home the scene of burglary as the burglars stole a safe. During the time of the robbery, Ancelotti’s daughter was reportedly home alone and managed to disturb the men as they entered the house.
Robin Olsen may decide not to extend at Everton
According to the Daily Mail, Olsen is now unlikely to extend his stay in Merseyside after the burglary incident and will return to AS Roma after the end of the season. The 31 year old is currently sitting on the sidelines as he recovers from an injury.
The Toffees are happy with Olsen and there were several reports that mentioned Everton’s desire to redeem him permanently. But, if he is unwilling to extend and returns to Rome after this season, the Toffees may search for a new keeper.
Joao Virginia was fantastic in the FA Cup quarter finals against Manchester City but whether he’s ready to challenge Pickford is still a premature question. If Everton manages to bring in a keeper, Virginia must be loaned out to a Premier League team where he can gather valuable experience and play more often.
According to Il Napoli, Ancelotti admires Napoli goalkeeper Alex Meret. The Italian competes with David Ospina for the starting role at the newly named Estadio Diego Armando Maradona. If the I Partenopei fails to secure Champions League football for next season, Meret will ask for a transfer.
Meret knows Ancelotti and his style well and even though Everton may not be in the driving seat to secure Champions League football, the idea of playing England under Ancelotti looks attractive. If Olsen does eventually leave, Meret is a solid option and can provide tough competition to Pickford.
If Robin Olsen returns to Roma, should the Toffees make a move for Alex Meret?