There’s not been much to celebrate this season for Sunderland fans and even Saturday’s victory over Hull City brought little cheer as the focus immediately turned to whether the Black Cats’ prized-asset would be at the club next season.
Jordan Pickford has been linked with a move from th Stadium of Light practically all season with Everton believed to be leading the chase for the young goalkeeper.
Speaking after Sunderland’s 2-0 win Moyes quickly addressed the topic of Pickford’s future noting: “He [Pickford]’s under contact to us and that’s the big thing.
“Good, English players attract a really high premium at the moment. I saw some rubbish figures talked about in the papers today – whoever came up with those is completely wrong.
“We know how good Jordan is and wherever he goes – if he goes – it will need to be a really, really big price.”
Pickford has been one of the most talked about keepers in the league this season and despite Sunderland’s struggles has been playing well, especially given the pressure his team have been under for so many games this season.
At 23 Pickford is extremely young for a first team goalkeeper at the top level and could go on to become an England regular, meaning the Black Cats are right to demand a high fee for the homegrown youngster.
There’s still a slim chance Pickford will stay at the Stadium of light next season but with the club believed to be in heavy debt and funds needed for a transfer. War chest this summer as they look to rebuild, the youngster may have to make way to bring in the money needed for a squad revamp the manager recently claimed is vital.
Here’s how Sunderland fans reacted to Moyes comments on their young star:
Moyes on Pickford transfer rumours: English players attract a premium. It would need to be a really, really, big price. #safc
— James Hunter (@JHunterChron) 6 May 2017
@JHunterChron £25m plus 20% sell on minimum
— Mo Arora (@MohanjeetArora) 6 May 2017
@MohanjeetArora @JHunterChron Never thought about sell on percentage, quite clever tbh. Clearly gonna move onto a big club if he goes to Everton
— Dylan M (@D_Mellooo) 6 May 2017
@JHunterChron @ScottRyanSAFC Moyes has to be sure we can bring in replacements if he goes
— C○L (@ColArmstrong) 6 May 2017
@JHunterChron I’d personally only consider selling him if he puts a transfer request in and even then demand top money for a keeper destined for the top
— Dean Cummings (@Deanospamoni85) 6 May 2017
Too little too later for Sunderland! Sadly I expect we’ll lose Defoe and Pickford and keep Moyes.
Would be better th’other way round!— Col