‘Here we go’ – Everton latest transfer may have edged closer as rivals agree £25m deal

Goalkeeper Carousel: Everton’s Transfer Hopes Bolstered by £25m Rival Deal
The familiar sound of “here we go” from transfer guru Fabrizio Romano has sent ripples of optimism through the Everton faithful, as a significant £25 million deal agreed by a Premier League rival appears to have edged the Toffees closer to securing a crucial summer signing. While the focus of the £25m agreement is on Djordje Petrović’s move from Chelsea to AFC Bournemouth, its domino effect on the goalkeeper market is precisely what Everton has been keenly anticipating.
Everton’s goalkeeping department has been a pressing concern for manager David Moyes, especially after the departures of João Virginia and Asmir Begovic at the end of their respective contracts. This left England’s undisputed number one, Jordan Pickford, as the sole senior custodian with Premier League experience. While Pickford’s brilliance has been a consistent highlight for the Blues, his near-ever-present status in recent seasons cannot mask the urgent need for reliable cover and competition. The club simply cannot afford to be caught short should Pickford sustain an injury, a scenario that would leave them highly vulnerable.
Enter Mark Travers, the Republic of Ireland international currently down the pecking order at AFC Bournemouth. Travers has been a long-standing target for Everton, and the Cherries’ substantial investment in Petrović effectively paves the way for his potential exit. With Petrović seemingly set to become Bournemouth’s new number one, Travers, who previously enjoyed a successful Championship promotion-winning campaign with 20 clean sheets and the Golden Glove, is now surplus to requirements at the Vitality Stadium. This development provides Everton with a clear run at a goalkeeper with proven experience at a professional level.
The urgency of Everton’s situation is undeniable. With the new season approaching and their relocation to the Hill Dickinson Stadium, building a robust squad capable of competing in the Premier League is paramount. The acquisition of Travers would not only provide essential cover for Pickford but also bring in a quality professional who can push for a starting spot and maintain a high standard in training. This move aligns with Moyes’ strategy of strengthening key areas, following earlier summer signings like striker Thierno Barry from Villarreal and midfielder Carlos Alcaraz.
While veteran free agents like Scott Carson, Fraser Forster, and Tim Krul might offer short-term solutions, securing a player of Travers’ age and past performance offers a more sustainable approach for Everton’s future. The “here we go” for Petrović might not have been directly about Everton, but its indirect impact on their transfer aspirations is a welcome development, signaling a potential crucial step forward in addressing a vital squad deficiency. The hope now is that Everton can swiftly capitalize on this opening and complete the transfer, ensuring their goalkeeping ranks are adequately bolstered for the challenges ahead.