Everton reportedly decided against a January move for West Ham United goalkeeper Adrian.
Everton made three signings during the January transfer window, as midfielder Morgan Schneiderlin and attacker Ademola Lookman arrived from Manchester United and Charlton Athletic respectively.
Winger Anton Donkor also arrived from Wolfsburg, and whilst fans expected more new signings to join, Everton didn’t make any more additions, despite considering a move for a goalkeeper.
Leicester City’s Kasper Schmeichel applauds
The Liverpool Echo report that Everton considered moving for West Ham United’s Adrian, but manager Ronald Koeman decided against raiding his Premier League rivals in favour of waiting until the summer transfer window to sign a new goalkeeper.
Maarten Stekelenberg and Joel Robles have both featured in goal this season, but with Koeman seemingly pursuing other goalkeepers at the end of the season, here are three alternatives to Adrian he should look at.
Sunderland’s Jordan Pickford celebrates
Kasper Schmeichel, Leicester City
Whilst the Premier League champions have endured a nightmare season as they battle against relegation, goalkeeper Schmeichel is still having a decent campaign. The Dane impressed last season in Leicester’s title win, and whilst he suffered an injury lay-off earlier this term, he has often kept Leicester in games this season having been left behind a porous defence. If the Foxes get relegated, then the 30-year-old shot stopper will certainly attract major interest, and Everton – who have former Leicester transfer guru Steve Walsh as their Director of Football – could be a possible destination if the Toffees choose to look for a tried and tested goalkeeper.
Joe Hart, Manchester City
Another option if Everton go for experience is England’s first-choice goalkeeper Hart. The 29-year-old had racked up almost 350 appearances for Manchester City over a ten-year spell with the club, winning two Premier League titles, but was cast aside by manager Pep Guardiola last summer. Hart was subsequently sent out on loan to Italian side Torino, and he has continued to show what a solid goalkeeper he is during his time in Serie A. He will though return to City at the end of the season, and a permanent exit looks likely. With Premier League experience, Hart could be ideal for Everton if they can afford his wages as well as a transfer fee.
Jordan Pickford, Sunderland
Whilst Schmeichel and Hart possess vast Premier League experience, Pickford would offer youth between the sticks and a possible long-term solution for Everton. The 22-year-old was one of Sunderland’s most impressive players earlier this season before suffering a knee injury in December, which he hasn’t come back from just yet. An outstanding shot stopper, commanding on crosses and exceptional with the ball at his feet, Pickford looks the complete package in goal, and will attract interest whether Sunderland go down or not. Everton should be looking to invest in Pickford if they get the chance, as he could be the club’s first-choice goalkeeper for the next five to ten years.
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