Jordan Pickford is relishing the start of his Everton career after becoming the club’s record signing.
Pickford has been announced as the Blues’ first addition of the summer transfer window in a deal worth an initial £25 million, potentially rising to £30m.
The Sunderland goalkeeper joins on a five-year deal, which was completed with Everton officials in Poland where he is based with England’s under-21 side for the European Championship.
Goodison Park officials moved quickly to ensure Ronald Koeman secured Pickford, with negotiations concluding both ‘quickly and harmoniously’.
And the 23-year-old cannot wait to get started at what he describes as an exciting time for the blue half of Merseyside.
He said: “It’s great to sign for the club.
“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) 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.”