Everton confirm £25million record signing of Sunderland goalkeeper Jordan Pickford

Jordan Pickford [Photo: Courtesy]

Everton have completed the £30million signing of Jordan Pickford, the England Under-21 international goalkeeper, from relegated Sunderland.

Pickford, 23, has signed a five-year deal with the Toffees, becoming the third-most expensive keeper in history, behind Manchester City new boy Ederson and Italy legend Gianluigi Buffon.

The Toffees will pay £25million up front, with a further £5million in add-ons depending on team and individual performances.

Pickford currently with the Young Lions in Poland for the European Under-21 Championships, was shortlisted for the PFA Young Player of the Year award last term.

As Sunderland struggled, eventually finishing bottom of the table, Pickford excelled between the sticks. And the keeper says he can't wait to get going at Goodison Park.

“It’s great to sign for the club," said Pickford, speaking to Everton's official website. "Last season was my first in the Premier League so to get this opportunity with Everton now, to be able to go forward with my career and show everyone what I can do with Everton is unbelievable.

“It’s a great club, a massive club and I think it’s a great opportunity and the right time for me to come to Everton and show what I can do.

“This is an exciting time for the club and for me, too, with the ambition being shown. I just want to be the best I can be to help.

“I know Mason [Holgate – his England Under-21 teammate] and a few of the other lads at Everton from younger age groups and the club’s only going forward, so it’s the best thing I can be doing.

“I remember playing [at Everton] on my first game back from injury last season for Sunderland. When I came out for the second half the fans gave me a clap and applauded then so I can’t wait to get out there on the pitch at Goodison.

“I’ve just got to show people what I can do, keep training and working hard and when it comes to game day, produce what I can do - making match-winning saves, showing what my distribution is like and making the right saves at the right times.”

Toffees boss Ronald Koeman will make Pickford his new No.1, having used both Maarten Stekelenburg and Joel Robles in the role during 2016-17.

“I’m really pleased we’ve made what I'm sure will be a significant signing for Everton Football Club,” said Koeman.

“Jordan is a very talented young professional who also has a real hunger for success, and that's important for us as we now look to make further progress in the seasons ahead.

“We've seen the quality he has through his performances in the Premier League last season and, given his young age, we're sure he will get even better.

"I’m looking forward to welcoming Jordan to the group next month and wish him every success with the England Under-21 squad in Poland.”