Everton’s transfer business has come under scrutiny in recent times, but none more so than during the recent summer window due to the lack of activity from Angus Kinnear.
The lengthy hunt for a right-back, and the failure to secure the signature of striker Folarin Balogun were the two situations which have caused discontent to be directed his way by supporters.
However, the biggest concern was his willingness to accept Nottingham Forest’s proposal for the signature of midfielder Harrison Armstrong – a decision that caused bedlam on Merseyside.
The Toffees’ recruitment strategy has been way off for many months now, and many supporters must wish that deals like one were conducted in the present day.
Why Pickford has been Everton’s best signing in recent memory
Eyebrows were raised across the Premier League in the summer of 2017, as Everton forked out a reported £30m to sign goalkeeper Jordan Pickford from recently-relegated Sunderland.
After being unable to save the Black Cats from relegation, many were unsure as to whether he could provide value for money – but it’s safe to say he’s silenced his doubters.
The 32-year-old has been a first-team regular throughout the last nine years on Merseyside, subsequently racking up 368 appearances across all competitions.
During his aforementioned outings, the Englishman has managed to keep 100 clean sheets in the Premier League, a tally only bettered by Tim Howard at present.
His tally of 11 last season saw him finish third in the standings for the Golden Glove, with only David Raya and Gianluigi Donnarumma keeping more clean sheets.
|
Most PL clean sheets (2025/26) |
|||
|---|---|---|---|
|
Goalkeeper |
Club |
Clean sheets |
Appearances |
|
David Raya |
Arsenal |
19 |
37 |
|
Gianluigi Donnarumma |
Man City |
15 |
34 |
|
Jordan Pickford |
Everton |
11 |
38 |
|
Dean Henderson |
Crystal Palace |
11 |
37 |
|
Đorđe Petrović |
Bournemouth |
11 |
38 |
|
Caoimhín Kelleher |
Brentford |
10 |
37 |
|
Bart Verbruggen |
Brighton |
10 |
38 |
|
Robin Roefs |
Sunderland |
10 |
35 |
His success has also been seen at international level, with Pickford becoming a consistent figure within the England setup during his period on Merseyside.
The shot-stopper has now made 93 appearances for his nation since his subsequent move to Everton, with the £30m deal to sign him now looking to be a phenomenal piece of business.
Why Everton’s £9m star is their best signing since Pickford
With Kinnear at the helm, Everton’s transfer business has certainly left a lot to be desired and undoubtedly contributed to the recent struggles in the Premier League.
Many of their additions have struggled to adapt to the demands of England’s top-flight, which has resulted in the club losing a small fortune on their investment.
However, a selection of their recent signings have been able to catch the eye and have managed to cement their place as a first-team regular during their time on Merseyside.
James Garner is a player who certainly falls into the latter of the two categories after his £9m move from fellow Premier League outfit Manchester United in the summer of 2022.
The midfielder had to bide his time before making a huge impact on the senior ranks, even featuring in an unfamiliar right-back role to gain minutes in the first team.
However, after his opportunity to star in central midfield, the 25-year-old certainly hasn’t looked back, and has now racked up 135 appearances for the Toffees.
The Englishman has featured in every league game since the start of the 2025/26 campaign, and has subsequently managed to emulate Pickford in recent months.
Garner was handed his senior England debut back in March this year, with the midfielder a player who could push for a place in Thomas Tuchel’s squad for the EUROs in 2028.
His rise is one very few supporters would have anticipated, but it’s safe to say that his £9m deal to join the Toffees four years ago is one of their best deals in recent years.
The Englishman has seen a huge increase in his valuation during his time on Merseyside, with Transfermarkt valuing the former United star at €50m (£42m).
Such a figure is a 367% increase on the fee paid to secure his signature, and he has now become the most valuable member within David Moyes’ senior ranks.
Given his meteoric rise on Merseyside over the last couple of years, there’s no denying he’s a player who has become their best signing since the deal to land Pickford.
Both players are now vital members of the manager’s squad and will no doubt play a huge role if the Toffees are to battle for a European spot come the end of May.
