Everton have been linked with several goalkeepers this summer, including Sam Johnstone and Orjan Nyland, as speculation continues over Mark Travers' future at the club. Despite Jordan Pickford being at the peak of his powers—having won Premier League Save of the Season for the second time with a stunning late stop against Newcastle United's Sandro Tonali in a 3-2 win at St James' Park—the Blues are reportedly exploring options to bolster their goalkeeping ranks.
Pickford's Dominance and the Understudy Role
Pickford, 32, recently broke the record for the most matches from an England player in a World Cup tournament, earning his 90th cap against Norway in his 18th game across three finals. Former Everton captain Seamus Coleman, who left the club after 17-and-a-half years, tipped Pickford to eventually eclipse his own record for the most Premier League appearances for the Blues. Pickford is currently on 331 appearances, 43 behind Coleman, and could climb to second place by the end of the 2026/27 season.
Such is Pickford's dominance that being his understudy can become a career cul-de-sac. Historically, keepers like Jim Arnold, Bobby Mimms, Alec Chamberlain, Mike Stowell, and Jason Kearton all played second fiddle to Neville Southall during his 17-year stint at Goodison Park. Even when Southall was unsettled in 1990, Everton failed to secure Egypt World Cup keeper Ahmed Shobeir due to work permit concerns over him not being first choice.
Mark Travers' Situation and Potential Exit
Mark Travers joined Everton for £4 million from Bournemouth a year ago. The Republic of Ireland international made 82 appearances for the Cherries, including 12 in the Premier League in 2022/23. However, Travers did not appear in the Premier League for Everton last season, with his game time limited to two Carabao Cup outings against Mansfield Town and Wolverhampton Wanderers. This lack of action activated a clause in his contract allowing him to leave if another club matches the £4 million fee.
David Moyes wants a trio of senior keepers, so Everton have been alert to potential deputies for Pickford. Karl Darlow, a free agent after his Leeds United contract expired, was linked but instead joined Manchester United. A report in the Daily Mail on Friday claimed Everton are assessing Sam Johnstone, a four-time England international. The 33-year-old commanded a £10 million fee less than two years ago when he moved from Crystal Palace to Wolverhampton Wanderers.
Links to Orjan Nyland and Coventry's Interest
Following Norway's World Cup exit, first-choice keeper Orjan Nyland was linked to Everton. A report from El Desmarque in Spain claimed the 35-year-old, a free agent after his three-year deal at Sevilla expired, has been sounded out by the Blues. The article noted that while the move would be financially attractive, Nyland would likely be relegated to a secondary role as backup to Pickford.
A key factor in Everton's potential need for a keeper involves former manager Frank Lampard and his newly promoted Coventry City side. Carl Rushworth, an ever-present for Coventry in the Championship last season on loan from Brighton, is a target for the Sky Blues, who have had two bids—the second exceeding £20 million—rejected. If Coventry cannot agree terms with Brighton, Travers could offer a much cheaper alternative with Premier League experience.
Pickford's World Cup Absence and Return Timeline
Pickford's current absence on World Cup duty could influence the timing of any move. Players are given a three-week break after the tournament, regardless of England's result against Argentina in the semi-final on Wednesday. Pickford might not return until after Everton's second game in Germany against Hamburg, with a potential return for the penultimate friendly against Newcastle United at Murrayfield.
