England Stopper Set To Be Handed “largest contract in the club’s history”

Jordan Pickford Edges Closer to Historic Everton Deal

Commitment Signals Long-Term Ambition

Credit to Graeme Bailey of TBR Football for revealing one of the most significant contract developments in Everton’s modern era. Jordan Pickford is expected to sign what is described as “the largest contract in the club’s history”, a staggering signal of intent from both player and hierarchy. While on-loan Jack Grealish technically earns more due to his parent deal at Manchester City, this is still the most lucrative agreement Everton have personally put forward.

Bailey confirmed that “Pickford talked with new owner Dan Friedkin soon after they arrived at the club last year and liked what he heard”. That meeting appears to have been decisive. “He believes the club is going places and is more than happy to commit.” Everton have already secured Jarrad Branthwaite’s future and, alongside summer signings like Kiernan Dewsbury-Hall, Tyler Dibling and Thierno Barry, Pickford’s renewal completes the spine of the project.

Legacy Building in Real Time

Pickford has been Everton’s constant since arriving from Sunderland in 2017. Over 300 appearances later, he has become both vice-captain and cultural pillar. His England status adds further gravitas. Recently, he kept his eighth consecutive clean sheet for the national team in a 3-0 victory over Wales, breaking Gordon Banks’ 1966 record. Few goalkeepers reach such milestones in both club and country simultaneously.

Photo: IMAGO

Supporters reacted with enthusiasm when TBR Football initially broke news of the extension, calling him “incredible” and “loyal”. It is hard to challenge that view. Loyalty in football feels rare, yet Pickford appears genuinely tied to the cause. Reports suggest he is prepared to finish his career on Merseyside.

Moyes’ Recommendation Looks Inspired

The roots of this prospective new chapter stretch back further than many recall. David Moyes, now enjoying a productive second spell in charge, revealed he was a driving force behind the original transfer. “When I lost my job at Sunderland, at the end of the season, I said to Bill: ‘You have got to sign the goalkeeper at Sunderland’ – and he did.” At £25 million, it now looks one of the smartest investments of the last decade.

Future Hinges on Delivery

Everton’s vision is becoming clearer. Stability in goal, key players nailed down, recruitment accelerating. Contracts are statements, yet contracts demand fulfilment. Pickford’s faith in Friedkin and the wider strategy sets a high bar. The club have the leader, now they must build a platform worthy of him.

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From an Evertonian perspective, there is pride and relief in equal measure. For years, the fear has been that Pickford would eventually be lured away by Champions League football or higher wages. Instead, he is doubling down, and that carries emotional weight. It suggests Everton might finally be shedding their selling-club reputation.

However, the cautious Blue inside every fan will ask one question, can the club actually match his ambition? He is not signing up for another relegation scrap. If Friedkin and Moyes are pitching Europe, they have to deliver it. Landing Dewsbury-Hall and Dibling was respectable, but there must be more. One big striker, one elite centre-half partner for Branthwaite, and a proper midfield destroyer, then belief becomes realism.

What excites me most is how Pickford plays differently since Friedkin walked in. His demeanour has shifted from defiance to authority. This contract is not sentimental, it is strategic. If the club rally around it and use it as a recruitment tool, Everton might finally build upwards rather than sideways.

If they waste it, Goodison will not forgive easily.