There were plenty of rumors suggesting this was coming, but Everton have now officially announced the extension of Jordan Pickford's contract with the club. This adds an additional four years from now to his deal, which was set to expire in 2027, but will now keep him on Merseyside until 2029.
Pickford, who serves as the no.1 goalkeeper for both Everton and England, joined the Blues from Sunderland back in 2017 when he was just 23. The Black Cats were relegated after the previous season, which was also Pickford's full Premier League debut campaign.
He worked his way up the ranks during his teenage years, first at Darlington and Alfreton Town in the National League, then Carlisle United in League One, Burton Albion in League Two, back to League One with Bradford City, and Preston in the Championship in 2015/16 when he was 21.
The England international returned to his boyhood club for good the following season, but only played in 2 top-flight matches before breaking out the next year. His move to Everton bagged Sunderland £25 million, a fairly substantial fee for a generally unproven goalkeeper on a relegated squad.
He wasn't an immediate success with the Toffees, although he was the nailed-on starter from day one. He was always a good shot stopper, but he was prone to erratic play when he got too emotional, especially on trips to Newcastle, where the fans booed him relentlesslly due to his ties to Sunderland.
But maturity has helped create a better footballer, as did taking over as England's no.1 in 2018, a role he has yet to relent despite clamor to the opposite. Fatherhood also seems to have had a major impact on him as well.
This is a major move for Everton, as Pickford was a key figure in the club's relegation fights, often keeping them in games singlehandedly that they might not otherwise have drawn points from. He just turned 31 in March, and should be entering his goalkeeping prime rather than seeing much in the way of diminishing returns.
The man himself has become a fan favorite, something that was clear in his statement about the contract via EvertonTV: "[I'm] delighted to get it done – it's an extra two years, so four years in total. I'm over the moon and it gives me the opportunity to build a legacy for myself here, move forward and build this Club to where we want to be. Everton is a really special club to me. Coming from Sunderland as a young lad and growing into a man here, it's been a special time for me and my family," Pickford said.
"I think everyone's seen the changes and how I've developed over time, but I'm still that lad who loves to keep the ball out of the net," he continued. "It's been Everton who have helped me develop and a lot of hard work's been put in as well. It's always felt like a natural fit for me, with the fans and the passion – it's second to none and something I thrive off. It's been a mega journey so far."
A mega journey, indeed. And long may it continue.