Everton like 32 y/o as Asmir Begovic replacement who will leave Championship club

Everton backup keeper Asmir Begovic is set to leave the Toffees after two seasons at Goodison Park. Earlier this month, the Bosnian keeper confirmed through social media that he will close the Everton chapter and leave the club.

Begovic arrived in 2021 on a free transfer, joining as a backup to first choice Jordan Pickford. The Bosnian made a total of just 10 appearances over the course of two seasons with majority of his outings coming in Cup competitions. Begovic was initially signed on just a one year deal with an option to extend the deal for one more season. Last summer, the Toffees activated the option to extend and keep Begovic for one more season.

Everton released a list of players who won’t be retained for the 2023-24 season which confirmed Begovic’s departure as the 35 year old rejected a new deal. Now, the Toffees have to search for a replacement for Begovic or promote Andy Lonergan to second choice keeper. The future of Joao Virginia also needs to be assessed as the player returns from his loan assignment from Cambuur.

Everton consider Joel Robles as Asmir Begovic replacement

According to The Athletic reporter Phil Hay, Leeds United goalkeeper Joel Robles is a player liked by Everton. The recently relegated side released a list of players that have been released from their current contracts and Robles is one of them. However, the 32 year old has been invited back to the pre-season for training and a new contract offer is not completely out of question.

Robles’ deal expires at the end of June 2023 and can consider other options. Robles is a former Everton player, plying his trade at Goodison Park between 2013 and 2018. In five seasons with Everton, the Spaniard made 65 appearances, keeping 25 clean sheets in the process. EFC seem to be eyeing a free transfer for their former player, albeit this time as a backup for Jordan Pickford.

Pickford’s future is also in question as Manchester United have made the Englishman their top goalkeeper target. Robles played deputy to Illan Meslier at Leeds and made a total of six appearances for Leeds United in the 2022-23 season.

Pickford is Everton’s undoubted No.1 but EFC do need to sign a backup keeper. The Toffees do not need to splash big cash on a new keeper and signing Robles on a free transfer would do the required job.