Tottenham have reportedly added Everton goalkeeper Jordan Pickford to their goalkeeper shortlist as they scour the market for a long-term Hugo Lloris replacement – and Eric Dier is a big fan, branding him “incredible” back in 2018.
Pickford, 28, is out of contract at Everton come the end of the 2023-24 season. While his form has been questioned at times during his 213 appearances for the Toffees – his ability at England level is undeniable. He could be on the move.
Indeed, many would argue that Pickford has gone to the point of outgrowing Everton. The Toffees narrowly escaped a relegation scrap last season, finishing in 16th. But Pickford is easily good enough to be playing for a top-six side.
The £110k-a-week goalkeeper is on Tottenham’s shortlist to replace Lloris, according to Give Me Sport reporter Dean Jones. A player that Spurs star Dier raved about his performance in the penalty-shootout win over Colombia in 2018.
Quoted by the Standard on Pickford after the shootout in 2018, he said: “He was incredible, he’s a fantastic goalkeeper and he was fantastic in the penalty shootout. He’s been fantastic in training for them and he’s taken it into the game.”
Tottenham add Everton goalkeeper Pickford to shortlist: Dier is a big fan
Lloris is about to embark on a potential second World Cup win. He takes on Emi Martinez’s Argentina, the other name on Tottenham’s goalkeeper shortlist. But for Spurs, he needs replacing. Lloris will turn 36 later this month.
So, who better than to bring in the country’s best goalkeeper? Pickford will know he can do better than Everton, fighting in the bottom third of the Premier League on a regular basis. He will have ambition to play in Europe.
A move to Tottenham would give him that. His relationship with Dier and Harry Kane – a renowned golfing partner – will help. With his contract expiring in 2024, he will surely be tempted by a move next summer, especially to Spurs.
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