SBOTOP: Everton Boss Sean Dyche Considering Shock Move for Newcastle's Nick Pope to Replace Jordan Pickford

In a surprising development, Everton manager Sean Dyche is reportedly considering a bold move to replace England’s number one goalkeeper Jordan Pickford with fellow England international Nick Pope, who currently plies his trade at Newcastle United. This potential switch has sparked intrigue across the Premier League as it raises questions about Pickford’s future at Goodison Park and whether Pope could be the man to strengthen Everton’s defense moving forward.

At 32, Pope is in the prime of his career and has established himself as one of the Premier League’s top goalkeepers during his time at Newcastle and Burnley. Meanwhile, Pickford, 30, has been Everton’s first-choice goalkeeper since his arrival from Sunderland in 2017 and remains the preferred option for England boss Gareth Southgate. However, Sean Dyche’s interest in Pope signals that a shift in the goalkeeping ranks at Everton could be on the horizon.

Dyche’s Concerns Over Pickford’s Future

Jordan Pickford has been a central figure at Everton for the past seven years, often delivering standout performances for both his club and country. Despite this, the Toffees have struggled to find consistent form in recent seasons, and the pressure is mounting on Pickford, who has had his fair share of errors leading to high-profile goals.

Dyche, known for his no-nonsense style and preference for a solid defensive foundation, may view Pickford as a goalkeeper who can deliver moments of brilliance but is prone to occasional lapses in concentration. Given the club’s defensive issues in recent seasons, Dyche may believe a change between the posts could provide the necessary stability.

The Appeal of Nick Pope

Nick Pope has earned a reputation as one of the most reliable goalkeepers in English football. Since joining Newcastle in 2022, Pope has been integral to the club’s resurgence, helping them secure European qualification and establishing himself as a top performer under Eddie Howe. At 6’3”, Pope is a commanding presence in the penalty area, known for his excellent shot-stopping, ability to deal with crosses, and calm demeanor under pressure.

Pope’s and Dyche’s worked together for several years at Burnley, where Dyche favored a compact, defensively organized setup that relied on the goalkeeper to make crucial saves and organize the backline. Pope thrived in this environment, becoming one of the league’s standout goalkeepers and even earning a place in the England squad as a result.

Reuniting with Dyche at Everton could appeal to Pope, who would likely be guaranteed regular playing time and a key role in Dyche’s plans to rebuild the club. Additionally, Pope’s experience with Dyche’s defensive structure would make the transition seamless, allowing him to quickly adapt to the demands of Everton’s style of play.

Pickford’s Future at Everton

If Everton does make a move for Nick Pope, it raises significant questions about Jordan Pickford’s future. Despite the reported interest, Pickford remains a crucial player for Everton and is contracted to the club until 2027. Pickford has consistently delivered key performances for Everton, particularly in relegation battles, where his shot-stopping and leadership have often been decisive.

However, with both players being England internationals, it’s unlikely that Everton would keep two elite goalkeepers on the books. A potential arrival of Pope could push Pickford toward the exit door, with several top clubs likely to express interest in securing his services.