LONG-TERM SIGNING: EVERTON SNAP UP ENGLAND INTERNATIONAL TALENT
Everton's Jordan Pickford agrees to a new four-year contract, a major statement of intent. The deal secures the England goalkeeper's future, aligning with the club's new era under fresh ownership and ambition.
The signing of Jordan Pickford to a new, long-term contract with Everton is more than just a standard contract renewal. It is a declaration of intent from a team keen to persuade the football community that ambition and stability are at last lining up at Goodison Park.
Pickford "has agreed terms on a new four-year agreement," according to Sky Sports News, and is anticipated to sign it before Everton's next match against Manchester City. Everton's wish for him "to stay for the rest of his career" was emphasised in earlier September rumours, and it now seems to be coming true. The new contract extension might retain him past the age of thirty-six, as his present one expires in 2027.
Despite Everton's recent struggles against relegation, Pickford, who is in his ninth season at the club, is still Thomas Tuchel's go-to first-choice custodian for England. It shows mutual trust between the player and the team to keep a goalie of his calibre in those conditions.
"Happy, settled, and receptive to the thought of dedicating the bulk (perhaps all) of his future years at the top level to the club," according to Everton, is how they describe Pickford. Unless there is confidence behind the scenes, that type of phrase is rarely employed.
Propulsion both on and off the pitch
The broader context of this rejuvenation is also noteworthy. The team is relying on "the positivism of the new stadium; new ownership; the encouraging upturn in form under David Moyes; and a successful summer transfer window in which the arrival of Jack Grealish has been a real indication of the club's intentions," according to research from Sky Sports News.
These elements signify a change from fighting fires to making plans for the future. Everton wants Pickford as a leader for the future as well as a custodian.
CONOR GALLAGHER CONFIRMED AS "VITAL" STARTER FOR SPURS FOLLOWING BENTANCUR’S INJURY LAYOFF
Conor Gallagher proved the doubters wrong against Man City. Discover why his €40m move to Tottenham is finally paying off for Spurs.
Chelsea and Atletico Madrid both decided Conor Gallagher wasn’t worth the trouble. At Chelsea, he had his moments—Pochettino liked him, but the fans never really warmed up. When Chelsea shipped him off to Atletico, it made sense. Enzo Fernandez stepped up, took over Gallagher’s role, and fit in perfectly next to Caicedo, with Cole Palmer adding that extra spark up front.
Things didn’t get much better for Gallagher in Spain. He barely got a chance at Atleti, lost his spot in the starting eleven, and pretty much ended up on the transfer list before anyone had time to blink. Interest was lukewarm at best until the winter window rolled around. Aston Villa wanted him and went after him pretty aggressively, but then Tottenham swooped in late. Spurs needed someone to patch up the midfield after Bentancur’s injury, so they just paid up—40 million euros, no hesitation.
His start at Tottenham? Rough. Honestly, that was to be expected. He’d played well at Palace before, but after his struggles at Atleti, he needed time to adjust. Sitting on the bench in Spain didn’t do him any favours.
Then Gallagher showed up. People doubted whether he could really add creativity and move the ball forward for Spurs, so his early struggles got people worried. But then came the 2-2 draw against Manchester City. He suddenly looked like the player both Ange Postecoglou and Thomas Frank were so desperate to sign.
Against City, Gallagher flipped the script. He set up a crucial assist, drove play forward on the dribble, and kept drawing fouls—everything the Spurs needed. Defensively, he was all over the place in a good way: two tackles, three interceptions, a full 90 minutes, and a huge part of the Spurs clawing their way back into the game.
Tottenham fans loved it. They saw the effort, the attitude, and the hunger to win. Gallagher just wouldn’t quit, and in that second half, he, Xavi Simons, Pape Matar Sarr, Destiny Udogie, and Dominic Solanke ran the show. Four of those guys have been carrying Spurs lately, so Gallagher is fitting right in with them. That’s a pretty good sign he’s going to work out just fine in North London.
AC MILAN MEDICAL FAILURE: THE HIDDEN KNEE INJURY THAT CRUSHED MATETA’S £30M MOVE
Jean-Philippe Mateta's £30m move to AC Milan is OFF. Discover why a failed medical has put his France World Cup dreams in jeopardy.