Juventus Eye Pickford as Everton Keeper Prepares for World Cup

Juventus have placed Jordan Pickford on their radar as they search for goalkeeping reinforcements this summer, with the Everton and England shot-stopper seemingly fitting their profile.

The Italian giants are weighing up a move for Pickford, who has impressed between the sticks at Goodison Park throughout another solid campaign. Everton, guided by David Moyes, comfortably avoided the drop and came close to sniffing European football, ultimately finishing 13th—four points adrift of the Conference League qualification spot in eighth.

According to TuttoJuve, Pickford's combination of experience and leadership appeals to Juventus as they hunt for their next number one. The 28-year-old would bring "personality and the ability to perform under pressure," qualities the Turin outfit deem essential for a club targeting a return to the summit.

However, the Italian outlet flagged several concerns. Pickford has occasionally been caught out by high-profile errors throughout his career, particularly in his early Everton years, raising questions about consistency in crucial moments. While his form has stabilised in recent seasons, doubts persist about whether he can be trusted to shoulder the responsibility at a club with elite ambitions. The potential expense of any deal and the adjustment period required to adapt to Serie A football also present obstacles.

Pickford's contract situation offers little encouragement for Juventus. The goalkeeper penned fresh terms until 2029 last October and remains settled on Merseyside with no intention of departing, according to transfer correspondent Harry Watkinson. "One of Everton's most important players and won't let him go," Watkinson stated.

The timing of Juventus's interest comes as Pickford prepares for a major tournament. He will start in goal for England when the Three Lions kick off their World Cup campaign against Croatia on June 17—his fifth consecutive tournament at this level.

"I take a lot of pride in it," Pickford reflected on his selection under Thomas Tuchel. "There have been a lot of keepers challenging along the way and I credit myself for improving week-in week-out at Everton."

Asked about Tuchel's squad selections, Pickford acknowledged the natural evolution of international football. "Every squad evolves. Even 2018, my first World Cup, we were six or seven or maybe eight at our first tournament. It's unfortunate for the lads that don't get picked but I'm not the manager and don't have to make those decisions."

He concluded: "I put myself in contention and work hard like everyone else but the competition is there with England. The manager picks the final squad and we believe in the manager. We know we have to work hard and that is what we are doing."