Everton have been handed a significant lift before their weekend showdown with Manchester City as goalkeeper Jordan Pickford is set to sign a new contract, according to The Times. The 31-year-old England international, who joined Everton from Sunderland in June 2017 for an initial £25 million rising to £30 million with add-ons, is expected to extend his stay at Goodison Park before the crucial Premier League fixture. Pickford’s new deal is part of Everton’s strategy to secure their defensive core under the new management of David Moyes and The Friedkin Group. The club recently renewed contracts with key defenders James Tarkowski and Jarrad Branthwaite, ensuring stability at the back for the coming seasons. Once Pickford’s extension is complete, it will take his Merseyside career to an impressive 12 years, reflecting his long-term importance to the team. The England shot-stopper recently celebrated his 300th Premier League appearance for Everton during their 2-1 win over Crystal Palace. Over the years, Pickford has established himself as one of the most reliable goalkeepers in the league, known for his sharp reflexes, leadership, and consistency between the posts. Pickford’s success is not limited to domestic football. On the international stage, he recently made history by becoming the first England goalkeeper to keep eight consecutive clean sheets, achieving the milestone in a 1-0 win over Wales. His outstanding performances for both club and country underline his enduring quality and professionalism. Everton’s move to extend Pickford’s contract highlights their commitment to building a strong, experienced foundation. The club sees him not only as a defensive leader but also as a symbol of stability during a transitional period. His loyalty and experience could prove invaluable as Everton aim to climb higher in the league standings this season. A new long-term contract would also position Pickford to challenge for one of the club’s all-time records. With his consistent presence in goal, he is on course to become Everton’s most capped Premier League player, a record currently held by Seamus Coleman with 371 appearances. At his current rate, Pickford could surpass that number within the next few seasons. Beyond Pickford’s extension, Everton are planning further moves to secure the futures of other key players. Midfielder James Garner and left-back Vitalii Mykolenko, whose contracts are due to expire this season, are next on the renewal list. The club’s management aims to avoid losing core talents and to maintain continuity as they look to rebuild for long-term success. For Everton supporters, Pickford’s decision to stay represents a strong message of commitment and belief in the club’s direction. Despite challenging seasons and managerial changes, the goalkeeper has remained loyal, consistently delivering high-level performances even during difficult times. His leadership, particularly in organizing the defense and motivating younger players, continues to make him a crucial figure in the squad. As Everton prepare to face Manchester City, this positive news provides a morale boost. Facing one of the strongest attacking sides in the league, having Pickford’s future secured offers reassurance both on and off the pitch. His experience and composure under pressure will be vital as the Toffees aim to contain City’s firepower and earn valuable points. The upcoming fixture also serves as another opportunity for Pickford to showcase why he remains England’s top goalkeeper. His renewed commitment could inspire further stability and confidence throughout the Everton camp as they focus on achieving consistency in results. With contract talks nearing completion, Everton fans can look forward to seeing their trusted goalkeeper continue wearing the club’s colors for years to come. Pickford’s long-term extension, combined with ongoing renewals across the squad, marks a promising step toward a stronger, more unified future for the Merseyside club.