Pickford joins Everton from Sunderland for club-record transfer fee

Jordan Pickford will join Everton from Sunderland after the Black Cats accepted an offer that could potentially rise to £30 million.

(Photo courtesy: Everton)

After agreeing to terms, Pickford put pen to paper on a five-year contract designed to keep him on Merseyside until 2023.

Both sides confirmed the agreement Thursday, with Everton revealing that its club-record transfer offer of £25 million could potentially rise to £30 million based on "team and individual performances."

A statement on Everton's website reads: "The highly-rated goalkeeper has moved to Goodison Park from Sunderland after the first and only negotiations commenced between Everton and the north east club last weekend. A deal was agreed quickly and harmoniously, enabling talks to then begin with the player."

The transfer fee is the highest ever paid for a British goalkeeper, and the third-highest for any shot-stopper in world football.

"It's great to sign for the Club," Pickford told Everton's website while on international duty with the England Under-21 team in Poland. "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.

The 23-year-old had a breakout season with Sunderland after appearing between the pipes 29 times and earning a call-up to England's senior squad in October. He was, however, unable to prevent the Black Cats from slipping to the bottom of the table and being relegated to the Championship.

Following a season which saw Everton rely on the likes of Joel Robles and Maarten Stekelenburg, manager Ronald Koeman is excited about the prospect of having an promising 'keeper in goal for years to come.

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

"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."