England’s first-choice goalkeeper has reaffirmed his loyalty to Everton by agreeing to terms on a new long-term contract that will keep him at Hill Dickinson Stadium until 2029. The 31-year-old shot-stopper, who has become synonymous with consistency and leadership at the club, will officially sign the deal next week following his return from international duty.
England’s Number One Chooses Everton Over Elite Suitors
Jordan Pickford has confirmed his happiness at the Merseyside club ahead of signing a new four-year deal with the Toffees, a move that ends speculation linking him with moves to Manchester United and Chelsea. The goalkeeper’s decision to extend his stay represents a massive statement of intent from both player and club, particularly as the Merseyside outfit continues to establish itself at its new home.
Speaking candidly about his future, the England international emphasized his contentment on Merseyside. Pickford stated he is happy at the club but wanted to maintain his focus on England duties during the international break, demonstrating the professionalism that has made him a cornerstone of both club and country.
Contract Details and Timeline
| Contract Aspect | Details |
|---|---|
| Contract Length | Four years (until 2029) |
| Current Contract Expiry | June 2027 |
| Signing Date | Expected next week after England duty |
| Age at Contract End | 35 years old |
| Transfer Fee (2017) | £25-30 million from Sunderland |
The improved four-year contract will run until 2029, extending his association with the club to over a decade. This extension comes at a crucial time, as his previous deal had only one year remaining after the 2025-26 season.
Building a Dynasty at Hill Dickinson Stadium
The contract extension positions the goalkeeper as one of three cornerstone players that manager David Moyes is building his squad around. The club views him alongside Jarrad Branthwaite and James Tarkowski as key figures for the future, with all three players having committed or preparing to commit their long-term futures to the club.
Pickford’s Remarkable Everton Career Statistics
| Career Metric | Statistics |
|---|---|
| Total Appearances | 326 matches (all competitions) |
| Premier League Appearances | 324 matches |
| Clean Sheets | 91 (all competitions) |
| Premier League Saves | 1,029 |
| Penalties Saved | 7 |
| Player of the Season Awards | 4 times |
The numbers tell the story of a goalkeeper who has been instrumental in keeping the Toffees competitive during challenging periods. He made his 300th Premier League appearance for the club in a 2-1 victory over Crystal Palace, cementing his status as one of the club’s most consistent performers.
From Relegation Battler to Club Legend
Few players have demonstrated the loyalty and commitment that the England international has shown during his eight-year tenure at the club. During periods when the Merseyside outfit faced the genuine threat of relegation, the goalkeeper’s performances were often the difference between survival and disaster.
The shot-stopper has single-handedly saved the club from relegation with his performances over the years, a sentiment echoed by fans, pundits, and club officials alike. His ability to produce world-class saves in crucial moments has made him indispensable to successive managers.
The goalkeeper’s influence extends far beyond shot-stopping. He has developed into a vocal leader in the dressing room, providing guidance to younger players while maintaining the standards expected at a club with such rich history and tradition.
International Excellence Enhancing Club Value
While excelling at club level, the 31-year-old has simultaneously established himself as England’s undisputed first-choice goalkeeper. He has earned 79 international appearances for England, featuring in major tournaments including World Cups and European Championships.
His recent performances for the Three Lions have been particularly impressive. During the current international break, he broke a significant record by keeping clean sheets in eight consecutive 90-minute appearances for England, surpassing the previous record held by legendary goalkeeper Gordon Banks.
England Career Highlights
| Achievement | Year |
|---|---|
| England Debut | November 2017 |
| International Caps | 79 |
| World Cup Semi-Final | 2018 |
| Euro Final | 2021 |
| Consecutive Clean Sheets Record | 2025 (8 matches) |
The international recognition has only enhanced his value to the Merseyside club, with elite clubs across Europe reportedly interested in acquiring his services. However, his commitment to the Toffees demonstrates a rare loyalty in modern football.
Financial Wisdom and Replacement Costs
The decision to secure his long-term future makes sound financial sense for the club. Replacing him would cost double whatever the club pays for his new contract, according to respected journalists covering the club. In today’s inflated transfer market, finding a goalkeeper of comparable quality would require a significant investment, potentially exceeding £60-80 million.
The cost-benefit analysis clearly favors retention over replacement. Beyond the transfer fee, integrating a new goalkeeper into the system, allowing them to build chemistry with defenders, and hoping they adapt to the Premier League’s demands represents substantial risk. By contrast, the current number one is proven, established, and intimate with the club’s culture and expectations.
The Moyes Factor and Everton’s Resurgence
The return of David Moyes as manager has coincided with improved performances and renewed optimism around the club. The goalkeeper is impressed with the club’s vision under Moyes, which has played a significant role in his decision to commit his future.
The Scottish manager has a proven track record of building competitive teams and has already begun implementing his vision at Hill Dickinson Stadium. The club currently sits comfortably in the top half of the Premier League table, a marked improvement from the relegation struggles of recent seasons.
This upward trajectory, combined with the impressive facilities at their new stadium and the club’s ambitious recruitment strategy, has created an environment where top players want to stay and contribute to something special.
Setting Records and Creating Legacy
Beyond the immediate impact of contract security, the extension positions the England international to achieve several significant milestones. He could break into the club’s all-time top 10 appearance makers, with 107 appearances required to achieve this landmark.
Currently standing at 326 appearances across all competitions, reaching the top 10 would see him surpass club legends Leon Osman and the iconic Dixie Dean, who both made 433 appearances. While the all-time record of 750 appearances held by Neville Southall may be beyond reach, climbing the appearance charts would cement his status among the club’s greatest servants.
Respected journalist Alan Myers has suggested that the goalkeeper may even be willing to retire at the club, spending his entire prime years in royal blue. Such longevity would be exceptional in modern football, where player movement is increasingly common.
What This Means for Everton’s Future
The contract extension sends multiple positive signals about the club’s direction and ambitions. Retaining your best players is fundamental to building a successful team, and securing the services of England’s number one demonstrates the club’s ability to compete with bigger rivals for talent retention.
For supporters who have endured difficult seasons watching their team struggle near the relegation zone, having their star goalkeeper commit long-term provides stability and hope. It suggests the club is moving in the right direction under Moyes’s guidance, with the new stadium providing a platform for renewed success.
The signing also creates a positive ripple effect for recruitment. When your best players are committing their futures, it becomes easier to convince other top talents to join. The club’s ability to retain the goalkeeper while also securing extensions for Branthwaite and Tarkowski creates a solid foundation for future success.
A Win for Player and Club
As the goalkeeper prepares to put pen to paper on his new deal next week, both parties can reflect on a relationship that has exceeded expectations. What began as a then-British record transfer for a goalkeeper in 2017 has evolved into one of the club’s most successful signings of the modern era.
For the club, they retain a world-class goalkeeper entering his prime years, a leader who has proven his loyalty during difficult times, and a player whose performances have been worth far more than his transfer fee. For the player, he gains security, the opportunity to build a lasting legacy, and the chance to be part of an exciting project at a historic club.
The contract extension represents more than just a business transaction. It’s a statement of mutual commitment, a recognition of past contributions, and an investment in future success. As the Toffees continue their journey at Hill Dickinson Stadium, having their trusted number one between the posts provides the foundation upon which sustained success can be built.
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FAQs
How long is Jordan Pickford’s new Everton contract?
The new contract is a four-year deal that will keep him at the club until 2029, extending his current agreement which was set to expire in June 2027.
When will Jordan Pickford officially sign his new contract?
He is expected to officially sign the contract next week after completing his England international duty during the current international break.
How much did Everton pay for Jordan Pickford?
The Toffees paid Sunderland an initial £25 million in 2017, with the fee potentially rising to £30 million with add-ons, making him the most expensive British goalkeeper at that time.
How many appearances has Jordan Pickford made for Everton?
He has made 326 appearances across all competitions for the club, including 324 Premier League matches, since joining in 2017.
What other players are Everton building their team around?
Manager David Moyes has identified three key players as the foundation of his squad: Jordan Pickford, defender Jarrad Branthwaite, and center-back James Tarkowski, all of whom have signed or are signing long-term contracts.
