£4M for a back up keeper who probably never play in the League!!

Jesus, we must have some money to spend!

More good business by the club for me. Getting an experienced keeper to sign up to be Pickfords understudy must be a hell of a task. Virtually no chance of displacing one of the best keepers in the world.
They’ve got a young ish keeper with prem experience at a decent price. Nicely under the radar. Hope this one goes through.
It feels like the club are slowly moving through the gears and plugging the gaps in the squad. Hopefully a right back/right winger/CM next but a good understudy for Pickford was absolutely essential.

Well unless Pickford is sold this lads going to spend the rest of his Everton career on the bench. Strange decision by travers.

We needed a keeper, so if this happens, it's a good move.

The life of a back up keeper. He will know what he's walking into.

We never know what will have, but although he hasn't suffered much with injuries, Pickford could get injured or even suspended.

Those old enough will remember the shock when the invincible Neville Southall got injured as we were closing if for the league title. Bobby Mimms, who knew his place, stepped in and did okay. Some point to Southall's injury as the reason we missed out, but for me, it was more about us having a wobble and a ridiculous run in by Liverpool. We only missed out by 2 points. One game.

It still hurts. And the less I say about the FA Cup final, the better. Old wounds.

The Bobble is reporting it, so I would expect this will be announced.

Agree Paul, strange, he went out on loan to seek more playing time yet is coming to us to sit behind a guaranteed no. 1.

And at still only 26 he has a long playing career ahead of him as a regular starter if he can find the right club.

I think that the fans are waiting for a statement signing.. possibly Douglas Luiz, or maybe Bakayoko... someone to get the pulse racing

We’ve just signed a French under 21 international for 28m without selling anyone

Just seen the fee could rise to £8m with add-ons which would seem a lot for a back-up keeper. Kepa only cost Arsenal £5m. That all said, he probably won't ever play enough to activate the add-ons.

I would have gone for Carson or Gunn on a free, save money for other positions for someone who is just going to sit on the bench. I like Begovic actually, too late for another year?

Steve, not sure about Carson as he's getting on now, but Gunn would have been my first choice on a free. I was shocked Norwich let him go. I remember his dad being a good keeper too.

I would have liked to have kept Begovic Steve. I was surprised when we let the two keepers go.

That's it Gavin. The add ons will include appearances.

Travers is young for a keeper and will benefit traing alongside Jordon

Also Big Jake and Seamus can help him settle!

Gavin, I grew up watching Norwich with my dad, Brian Gunn was indeed a good keeper.

Not good business for me at all. If, as seems the case, we have a limited transfer budget, this is 4 million wasted in my opinion.

4 million for a goalkeeper not considered good enough for Bournemouth!!? I would have preferred us to keep Virginia.

What’s the point in having highly rated young keepers if they are never given a chance? Yes Travets has premiership experience, but it wasn’t good enough for him to keep the position permanently. Disappointed with this transfer

Fair enough on the player assessment Annika.

But on the transfer budget, we don't know how much there is to spend. The only people who do are TFG, the CEO and accountant's. That will be passed onto the recruitment team so they can prioritise.

If the club. Say we can afford the reported £4m on a position we need, then we must be able to.

Plus Danny we won’t be paying the £4m all on one go. Most likely paid over 2 years

A £1m a year for ffp

I swear if we signed the PSG front line some people would find an issue with it.

Who said he wasn’t good enough for Bournemouth?

Btw they finished above Everton for last few seasons

Has it ever been explained as to why Virginia left? Was it for 1st team football elsewhere or he wasn't offered a contract, improved or not.

Always remember Bryan Gunn made his debut for Norwich against us and we scored 4!

I thought Joao Virginia was good backup and, along with Begovic, I was sorry to see them both leave. On the face of it though, this is a good signing with top flight experience and some years ahead of him.

I could never really understand why Virginia stayed for as long as he did with almost no game time, similarly puzzling why Travers would want to play a distant second fiddle to Pickford. He must have his reasons, maybe it's simply financial.

Ryan @ 16, if he was good enough, why was he constantly out on loan?

If he was good enough, why have Bournemouth just bought another goalkeeper and sold Travers?

Andrew @ 15, Travers would never be considered good enough for PSG, so what’s your point?

He was on loan because Bournemouth had a better number one than him. Maybe Bournemouth think 4m allows them to do other things

Same as Everton have a better number one.

Hes a back up goalkeeper. What’s the issue?

Nick(#18)[ Was it Bryan or Brynn Gunn?

For someone who’s been on loan at Weymouth, Swindon, Stoke and Middlesbrough I think he would find it quite an exciting move to be understudy to Englands number one!

His career total number of league appearances is 131 in twelve years, with his most appearances in one season being 45 for Bournemouth in season 21 / 22. So he’s hardly been a consistent number one wherever he’s been.

For a goalkeeper, you either play, or you don’t, there’s no in-between. Many outfield players can play in a position other than their preferred one, a goalkeeper can’t. Overall I think Travers will be more than happy with this move, and he will get to play a game or two, mainly in the early cup rounds, or if JP is either injured or god forbid, suspended.

This move suggests the transfer budget is probably bigger than some expected. Decent keeper.

I'm just a little suprised that our two first moves have been for a CF and backup GK rather than the priority positions of RW, RB and CM. The players we sign there will go some distance to dictating our success this season and ideally would be given time to settle during pre-season.

Sam [#24] Hopefully you are correct about the budget. I was expecting a GK in on a free (actually I was expecting Begovic to return - and still wouldn't be surprised if Ashley Young reappeared).

I have to agree with many fellow posters, that it seems strange to have paid a fee for basically a bench warmer, when possibly we could have had more stablished names on a free.

Of course, like most things we are never privy to what goes on behind the scenes. Just hope Moyes has had some influence as he has pretty much, though not always, been a good judge of a player's fit, and worth, for Everton Football Club !

Derek - which back up goalkeepers that other teams have signed would you have signed instead?

Ryan, not sure, as I haven't been tracking goalkeepers as it seems a lower priority in terms of what, and who we need to assemble a capable squad for the season ahead !

Okay, this is a link for you to see which goalkeepers are out of contract this summer.

Which one would you or anyone on here have signed instead?

I like this idea because I believe we need a keeper good enough to play full-time if necessary, and I'm not sure either Virginia or Bego was in that category.

I just have an uncomfortable feeling that Picks, who has been very fortunate on a couple of reckless challenges in recent years, is due to have his luck run out.

And if he flies into somebody and goes down for six weeks, I think Travers is of a sufficient level of quality to keep Picks' absence from costing us games.

So I'm glad this is happening.

Ryan #29,

I've been keeping an eye on that list too, and reading it makes a strong point that there's nobody available we should trust if Pickford goes down.

Sam @24, maybe they are just the ones we've been able to get done so far. As said previously, we needed a keeper. it looks like we've got one.

We can debate and question the logic of releasing both Begovic and Virginia, but some of that might have been for their own personal career reasons.

They're not here now, so other than question why we let both go, it doesn't affect us now. They don't play for Everton.

It looks as if Travers may do so.

Exactly, Mike.

But some just think you can buy players just like Football Manager!

ESPN headline just now:

Mark Travers moves to Everton from Bournemouth

Seems done.

Rob #23, on your trip to Bournemouth in January when we were shut out 1-0, the keeper was Travers. Unfortunately we never put a shot on goal, so you didn't see him do anything, but....

And when Doucoure scored THAT goal at Goodison, the keeper he beat was Travers.

Virginia chose to leave when his contract expired so it was down to him not Everton.

Any current No 1 keeper anywhere who is good enough for Everton is going to cost more than £4M, so which out-of-contract goalie could we have signed on for free who is good enough?

£4M seems a reasonable amount to pay for a decent back-up. I have no issues with this signing.

Ryan @ 21, I don't think he is worth £4M and I don't rate him very highly at all. That's my personal opinion.

The Arsenal fans were fuming when they found out Kepa was being brought in as a back-up keeper for £5M because they don't rate him at all.

Yet Kepa was the keeper that kept Travers out of the Bournemouth team. Still some people believe he is of sufficient quality to stand in for Pickford. He isn't.

How many times have you watched him, Annika? Who should we have signed as a back-up goalkeeper? Would that person have come?

A Number 1 goalkeeper isn't coming to Everton to be a Number 2.

All Arsenal fans were fuming?

It is absurd to think we can get back-up keeper as good as Pickford for the kind of money we are looking to spend. Not to mention, such a keeper would spend most of his time on the bench.

Outfield players know they may get a chance because of injuries, loss of form, players moving on, etc. But keepers tend to avoid injuries and the likes of Pickford are consistent and rarely lose their form.

He is Everton's and England's No 1 and probably will be for at least the next couple of seasons. Travers will no doubt get his chances to play in the cup games for now. But at 26, he has time on his side. After all, Pickford isn't getting any younger.

Ryan @ 37, I have watched him as much as possible because I sit through hours of football. Never watched him live though.

I have yet to hear an Arsenal fan say anything good about Kepa and, again, I try to cover as many fan sites as possible. I spend hours watching and listening to fan sites, including the Everton sites of course.

I am sure there will be some Arsenal fans that appreciate the Kepa signing, but there won't be many.

It makes no sense to me to sign an, at best, average keeper, then allow 3 to walk out of the door.

I've looked on Twitter and fan sites and seen plenty of positive comments from Arsenal fans. And Arsenal fans moan at anything anyway.

We haven't allowed 3 to walk out the door. Begovic was about 50 years old and Virginia apparently wanted to leave. My Middlesbrough supporter friend said they were disappointed they couldn't keep him.

So due to your vast knowledge of football, who should Everton sign as Number 2?

I thought £5M for Kepa was decent business. He had a very good season at Bournemouth, and he needed it after a very expensive Chelsea move went sour. He will push Reya hard for that shirt.

Travers seems an okay signing as back-up. Is he good enough to replace Pickford? No. Is he good enough to play some games between transfer windows, if required? Yes, I think he is, from what I've seen.

A bit like Keane, it's clear players just want the money, rather than playing every week.

Me too, Ian. I thought £5M was a bargain for a solid back-up.

Arsenal fans moan at anything. You only have to watch Arsenal Fan TV to know that.

Ryan @ 40, there is no need for me to use my knowledge of football as you clearly feel you know better than anyone else. No need to disagree with an expert such as yourself.

I have yet to see any positive comments regarding Kepa on Arsenal sites. Clearly you visit the superior sites though.

Kepa won't push Reya hard for the Number 1 spot at Arsenal, he is too error-prone. Shame Middlesbrough didn't sign him, he might be up to Championship level.

So, Annika, who would you get who is good enough to challenge Pickford and would cost less than £4M?

Last season, Kepa prevented 4 goals more than what the average goalkeeper would have done.

In their careers, Kepa has made 5 errors leading to goals, 3 for Raya and 21 for Pickford

Last season, Pickford saved 72% of shots. Raya 72% and Kepa 71%.

So tell me which goalkeeper we should have signed?

Here you go:

https://www.reddit.com/r/Gunners/comments/1l4rx4j/gunnerblog_arsenal_make_chelseas_kepa/

https://www.reddit.com/r/Gunners/comments/1ljne0v/kinsella_arsenal_are_set_to_complete_the_signing/

I think most Everton supporters would have been happy if we had bought Kepa (who cost Chelsea £72M) and who was playing ahead of Mark Travers at Bournemouth last season for £1M more.

On what Anika says, I'd be very surprised to hear that the majority of Arsenal fans would be moaning about Kepa's signing as a No 2 on their fan sites and channels.

I hope you are right, Sam, and this signing is an indicator that we will be spending more than the projected £70M-100M budget. We need to spend a healthy amount when we see the likes of Chelsea getting £130M for this Club World Cup. The competition seems like another way for rich owners of so-called elite clubs to bypass PSR.

I'm not too concerned about Arsenal supporters or who they've signed. Nothing to do with Everton.

Anikka, I wouldn't take what Ryan asked personally. You expressed a view, he's just asked you what you base it on.

Personally, I have no opinion to give on our likely new keeper. I've barely seen him play.

It's probably Arsenal fans who've never been to a match in their lives.

You don't think that some Arsenal fans' opinions could be coloured by the fact that Kepa played for Chelsea?

Gavin, how much would we then be paying Kepa to sit on the bench every week?

I don't know what Arsenal are paying him, Andrew. I just know that he's a superior goalkeeper to Travers and would have been a much better signing on the transfer fee alone.

Personally, I'd have not bought either and got Angus Gunn in for no transfer fee who's Scotland's No 1 and was inexplicably let go by Norwich.

Another piece of the jigsaw now complete. Sensible signing. Tiny fee and a player who can be Number 2 for the next 10 years, potentially.

If we haven't signed the necessary upgrades on the right flank by the end of the window, then that's the time to complain. As it happens, I think we'll get our business done.

Angus Gunn is absolutely shocking.

Danny @32,

it's certainly true that you don't always need to sign players in order of priority but it does seem that the club really pushed the boat out for Barry whereas we don't appear to have seen that for anyone else so far.

I won't judge till the window is done but our most important bits of business are still pending in my view.

Ryan, I think Scotland's first choice goalkeeper on a free is a decent back-up based on where Everton are right now.

I would have preferred to use the £4M transfer fee towards another position we need to fill, but if, as Sam speculates, we will be spending more than the projected summer transfer budget, then Travers will be a good addition to the squad.

Anybody who watched Scotland's performances at last year's Euros would not touch Gunn with a bargepole.

I think you forgot to mention those stats were whilst playing for, at the time, vastly superior teams.

Danny, he was sarcastic, I replied in kind.

The Arsenal fans I am taking about are all season ticket holders, or were until recently.

Gavin @ 46, try checking their fan sites if you don't believe they aren't happy. Start with Lee Gunner.

Gavin - not from his performance at Euro 2024 I wouldn't!

Any thoughts on the back-up goalkeeper Everton should sign, Annika?

That ‘Lee Gunner' is already moaning about the next defender Arsenal are signing from Valencia so I'll take what he says with a pinch of salt.

Well, we've spent money on 3 signings so far and I can't see us losing out big time financially on any of them.

That, in itself, is a huge improvement on just about everything since the Martinez era.

I am more interested in who we will sign at right back, right wing and centre midfield.

Those deals should take time as we have to get those choices right, especially the right flank.

I am more concerned that our academy goalkeeping coach is now the most senior goalkeeper coach at the club.

I believe a good backup keeper is essential.

I've watched Travers who played in goal for Ireland a few times, very accomplished and did nothing wrong, a good buy for £4M.

Regarding Kepa, cost Chelsea £71M, and now sold for £5M says everything, and I bet he's on a lot bigger salary than Travers?

I doubt we could have got a better back up goalkeeper. Thank God our financial position is not so bad that we are fretting over £4 million. Good, important signing.
Keep them coming.

Andy #66, correct as always!

Annika, you didn't answer Ryan's question. Based on your hours of football watching, who would you have preferred to sign?

I already answered in one of my earlier posts. I would have preferred to have kept Virginia, or Begovic.

Of course you will take what Gunner has to say with a pinch of salt. Being as you are the expert.

If he was such a good back up, Bournemouth would have made more of an effort to keep him.

Are you suggesting I am lying about how much football I watch Mike? Because that’s how I am reading it.

You’re the expert because you watch hours of football!!

So after your hours of watching football, the only back up keepers you mention are ones we let go?

Why haven’t these two got new club’s yet?
If they’re so good then they would have been snapped up

Christy # 65, I am finding it bizarre that Kepa has a great season for Bournemouth, goes back to Chelsea, who then sell him for £5 million at a £66 million loss to a big rival in Arsenal, then Bournemouth go and sign another Chelsea reserve keeper for £25 million, it all a bit fishy to me.

Surely you can answer that question with your unchallenged knowledge on all things football?

If Travers is so good, why were we the only team wanting to buy him?

Petrovic bought £14m, loaned out, sold for £25m.

Kepa bought for £72m, sold for £5m. But his book value was probably, so a £5m psr profit on a player they didnt want.

The money they make out of the market in transfer gains and loan fees, all part of the financial alchemy.

You’re the one who said you didn’t rate him due to your hours of watching football. I made no such claims.

Then you said Arsenal fans were unhappy with their new back up GK.

I gave you links to a threads where some were happy.

Then you said, after your many hours of football watching, there were better back up goalkeepers around.

How do you know no other teams wanted to buy him?
I asked you which ones and then you said Begovic and Virginia.

Kepa could have just stayed at Bournemouth as number one for £5 million, ok big wages but £20 million less than Petrovic, but goes to Arsenal as a number two, bit odd, or maybe Kepa fancies his chances at Arsenal.

Not at all, Annika #68, I took your assertion at face value. I was genuinely curious. Given your response, I guess my curiosity was misplaced.

I also take at face value Moyes' decision that neither of his inherited backup keepers met his standards for the ability to replace Pickford in case of accidents. Virginia in particular seemed to impress exactly zero of his managers, not just his four at Everton but out on loan as well, enough to give him a real opportunity.

There’s going to be a lot of bickering on here until we get another couple of players in for more obvious first XI roles.

But amongst our rivals there’s no exciting business done.

Bournemouth are weaker without Huijsen and Kerkez

West Ham are weaker without Kudus

Palace are weaker without Mitchell

Wolves are weaker without Cunha and Ait Nouri

Forest have lost Elanga and Gibbs White could follow

Brentford look wobbly for various reasons

They can recruit of course because there’s a while to go. But we’ve secured Branthwaite and now brought 3 players in. Not too bad.

Seen Newcastle are trying to get Ekitike for 80m Robert

Good perspective, Robert, although I'll only sign aboard your assessment of "wobbly" Brentford if they lose Wissa and/or Mbeumo. So far they are digging in.

But it's true that the PL teams who have significantly strengthened in the window are all teams that we weren't about to catch this season anyway.

Spurs going after Kudus and Gibbs White baffles me.

Defensively they're a shambles, with an iffy keeper.

Kudus well might replace Son, and Gibbs White replace Maddison.

But whats the point of doing that when the defence is that bad.

@1. How did that £150k Everton spent on a third division goalie in 1981, work out?

Good bit of business,we needed a back up keeper,and we have got a decent one, now get a right winger with pace.

Newcastle are at a different level unfortunately Ryan.

As I gave you suggestions to links where they didn’t like him. So what’s your point there?

Mike @ 75, sorry I took some time to reply. I was watching some more football. This time from South America. You know the stuff that people question I watch?

Any back up goalkeeper names yet?

I would have kept Virginia on a good contract and given him the cup games as first choice and would have had faith in him if Pickford got injured.

As for replacements Travers must have been on the radar, and there must be someone like Dubravka available, but whether he will want to be an understudy again is unknown.

Ian I don’t think the defensive players at Spurs were the problem. Postecoglu was the problem. I think Frank will have the whole team much better organised defensively. Still like you I’m a bit surprised by their spending.

We were linked with him years ago Robert

Maybe they’ll sell Gordon to them lot and we have a sell on clause

We were linked with him years ago Robert

Maybe they’ll sell Gordon to them lot and we have a sell on clause

I like that Robert.

I do think Brentford could struggle in the context of their recent standards.

They are likely to lose a couple of their best players and just as important, they've lost the coach who helped build and shape that team.

It could be a tricky season for them compared to what they have recently been used to.

Jordan picford is 31 years old. So it makes sense to get a good young back up keeper.

Here we go again. The new season hasn’t started and people who should know better are having a pop at an Evertonian for having a different opinion. Have a bit of respect lads. I think Annika’s views are valid and stick to your guns Annika

I am 50 next year, and Spurs have never been able to defend as long as I remember Robert. It's why their last league title was in black & white in 1961.

It isn't an Ange problem. It's a Dna issue of spending a £110m on attacking players, and 10p on the defence.

Famously came third in a two horse race with Leicester. Champagne players rather than a strong spine. They put Ledley King on a plinth, and he only played 268 games in 13 seasons.

Liverpool got it right when they spent big money on Van Dijk and Allison. If you want to compete, you cant skimp there.

Bit surprised to get this guy as back up, seen him put in some really good performances.
Could be ready and in his prime for when JPs levels drop.

4m is more than we spent in a whole summer not long ago !

Getting the CM is most important imo. Yes RB, RW and LB cover too, but we need a guy to control a match, dictate our attacks & create chances.

Spurs had a lot of injuries last year, but the manager stuck to his guns and backed his words up with a trophy.

Which Evertonian, wouldn’t take something similar?

That was a very sensible post Ian B, because not many teams win the biggest honours without having a real defensive discipline, which is something that I think Dyche, instilled into Everton, whilst he was boring us to tears!

Because of this key aspect, maybe we were not as far away as we thought? I’m just trying to be positive but, Who knows?

Ian 92.
Good post. Never thought of it that way.

Although all clubs suffer injuries, Tottenham did have more than most for a sustained period.

A dismal season, but a European trophy and Champions League qualification as a result.

Equally as much as I'm interested to see how Brentford get on without Thomas Frank, it will be interesting to see how Thomas Frank gets on at Tottenham with Daniel Levy breathing down his neck.

Given that our two back-up keepers chose to leave at the end of their contracts, I'd call this a good deal. Given the amortisation, the fee will be negligible for PSR purposes and he strikes me as good enough to step in if need be, for a number of years. And if he moves, we'll nake a profit on him.

Not very giamourous, but it all screams well-run business to me so far.

No need Ryan, I bow to your superior knowledge. That and the fact I already mentioned who should have been kept

Still 4 million wasted for me

I wonder who will be in goal for the friendly at Accrington Stanley tomorrow? Today is only Pickfords first day back in preseason training, so it definitely won’t be him. So either Fraser Barnsley or George Pickford will be between the sticks, unless Travers signs early doors tomorrow (unless he’s already signed and we don’t know about it) and given permission to play.

Annika you are saying we shouldn’t be signing a player who Bournemouth (who have finished above us for the past three seasons) don’t want to keep as a back up goalkeeper, then the only two back up goalkeepers you can say we should have signed instead are two goalkeepers we weren’t that bothered about keeping.

Andrew, way back at 16, you're right about people moaning about signing PSG's front line. Only worth it if you sign their midfield, defence and goalie.

Hopefully the reserve goalkeeper won’t be needed but if he his then I’m sure he his much better than the two keepers, who have just left us, even though I can’t really place him!

Football has really changed since everyone started playing out from the back, and sometimes these foreign managers, put a massive emphasis on a goalkeeper’s ability with the ball at his feet, above anything else?

I’m wondering what this side of his game is like, thinking this might explain why we have got him relatively cheap?

Ryan #46, I'd be interested to know where this came from.
"In their careers Kepa has made 5 errors leading to goals, 3 for Raya and 21 for Pickford."
If it's from StatMuse I'm afraid
it's a third-party sports data aggregator that draws from Opta and other APIs, but the methodology is not always transparent, especially for football. Generally, its football data is limited, sometimes outdated, and not always consistent with official Opta figures.

I’m sure I read somewhere that Everton parted with Virginia by mutual consent as he wanted regular football, not forever back up.
Good luck to him - I’ve always thought he was better than a bench player.

Maybe Harry Tyrer Rob?

It will be a second string team, maybe with a few first team featuring.

Danny, I think the vast majority of the team will be U21’s. Can’t see many first team players being involved.

I'm not sure why we didn't just activate the 1 year extension on Virginia. Ever time I've seem him play I've been impressed with him.

Whilst not a priority position, we had no 2nd choice and needed cover. I find GK the hardest pos to judge a player but I actually think Travers is a good goalkeeper.

I generally agree there are enough good keepers to bring in on a free or on loan but I think a fee of £4m to £5m for the next 4 to 5 years is good business. His wages will be relatively cheap and I think he will definitely get some playing time.

I agree with Tony @102, Travers ability to stay calm and pass out from the back was a weakness and therefore didn't fit Bournemouths style. He's more like Pickford, a good shot stopper and hit and miss temperament.

I prefer a big, commanding keeper which are getting rarer these days. I used to think Forster could become a top keeper but he proved to be too error prone.

Then I wrote off Donnarumma as being nothing but a big shakey stick but has found form again and pulls off some brilliant saves.

I don't often read all posts but with time to waste I have allowed myself to smile reading some petty comments above.

To answer the Q, I'd be in for the German u21 goalkeeper. Looked solid, as did a few others.

Rick, either he wanted to leave or his manager didn't want him.

We can be absolutely certain it was one or the other.

Neither circumstance would allow for extending his contract.

Stan - yes it was from that site.

Other transfer news……and the BBC gossip page is saying that Man Utd have agreed a deal to sign Mbuemo from Brentford. If he moves, along with Wissa, then it could be curtains for Brentford.

No worries Annika. It’s a back up GK who touch wood will hardly play.

I look at it like this (rightly or wrongly)

He’ll cost 4m plus bonuses over a 4 year terms if it is 4 year deal.

If our turnover goes to £250m that is a billion pound taken in that period.

4m is absolutely nothing and we will probably sell him in 3 years or so

Mike, I'm sure I heard on the blue room, that we had an option for another year in the club's favour.

It's a mute point now I guess.
Though like a few others on here, it feels like 4m wasted.

As has been the case for years now, we need every penny to be used wisely.

I do hope, as others have suggested this fee may indicate we have more in the coffers🤞

Annika’s ploughed a strange furrow on this thread.
Very dismissive of Travers because he didn’t play ahead of Kepa. I thought Kepa was generally acknowledged to have had a very good season, but apparently he must be rubbish because some Arsenal supporters have slagged him off? Those Arsenal supporter’s credibility is because they like to post their views or because they are season ticket holders?
Annoyed we may be paying all of £4 million to plug a big gap in the squad caused by 2 back-up keepers moving on, because we shouldn’t have let those player’s go when none of us know the why’s and wherefore’s around those departures? Unless Travers’s wages equals those of Virginia and Begovic combined, the £4 million becomes even less of an issue, certainly not a hill to die on.

This thread took me right back to the Darren Hind and Jay Woods TW days.

Don't feel this thread can end without the answer to the question: "which back-up keeper would you have signed?"

It must be important as Ryan bored us all to death by asking it 500 times.

Over to Ryan for the answer?

Stan @ 100, we actually released 4 goalkeepers. Two of whom we paid fees for. Now we have signed a player I, personally, don’t rate. Bournemouth did indeed finish above us, but Travers wasn’t their first choice keeper.

Si @ 115, Travers isn’t a keeper I rate. That’s my opinion and nothing in your post changes that. The same as my opinion won’t change anyone who disagrees with me. We actually released 4 keeper, not 2.

So, as far as I am concerned, Travers is a waste of 4 million. What is the point in keep buying young keepers,, then releasing them years later for free?

How will we ever know if any of our keepers are good enough if we never give them a chance?

In all the years I and my Father have posted on TW, we have respected everyone’s opinion, whilst disagreeing with many. But my opinion is mine and nothing an effort to change anyone else’s.

The same as in this instance. I don’t think Travers is, at best, anything more than an average keeper. So I see no sense in releasing 4 keepers for free, only to pay 4 million to bring him in.

Therefore I don’t consider it a hill I died on because it’s my opinion and nothing said on this thread will change that

Annika, all of those goalkeepers had two things in common.

One, Moyes didn't sign any of them.

And two, Moyes didn't think any of them were good enough for Everton. Else he wouldn't have turned them loose.

Clearly the people whose 4 million it is, don't think it's a waste to spend it on this keeper.

I think Begovic did well when he was the keeper at Stoke in the EPL, and then didn't he go to sit on the bench at Chelsea?

So a reasonably competent keeper but maybe looking for some game time somewhere else, maybe in a lower league? Especially as it's his second stint with us and can see it's going nowhere.

Virginia while having some good reviews has not had a run of games in the EPL, so hard to judge his worth as a spectator. Maybe our coaching team and manager want someone with more EPL experience and Travers possibly provides that.

The other goalkeeper release is just a joke to suggest he might be backup to Pickford.

Travis is a strange one though, at 26 he should be starting his prime as a goalie and be first choice somewhere, not on a bench behind an unmoveable obstruction. Pickford at 31 has got a good 4+ years left in him so Travers is not going to feature much and by the time Pickford needs replacing he's 30+ himself.

Hopefully his signing is announced today, so we can welcome Travers to Everton.

On the young keeper point and our keepers in general, we have England's No 1, who has been one of the most important reasons we have remained in the Premier League the past 3 seasons. He has matured and is less prone to his brain fart moments. He's even stopped losing his head at St James' Park, where he receives a lot of stick.

He is fit for the majority of the time, so it would be very difficult for them and even and experienced keeper like Begovic to get a look in. If fit, he plays.

Not just goalkeepers, it is common at this time of year to start releasing academy players. We've retained the ones the management wanted to and released those they saw no future for at Everton. Every club will be doing it.

We're in phase one of a rebuild. New players will come in, others will go out.

As for the £4m, I wouldn't get concerned. It would seem obvious to me that the management wanted and we needed the.player. It will have been passed up the food chain for approval as it's not like they've given Moyes a blank cheque book and free reign to go shopping at will.

The powers that be have zxxuminbly sanctioned it, so we can afford it within budget, whatever that might be. Another thing some get concerned about. Are we skint? We don't know. Kinnear, acting on behalf of his masters in Houston TX, will know his parameters, and if he needs more, he will approach TFG in an Oliver Twist style approach.

Of course we are not going to be in a position to spend like Chelsea already have, but I think.we might surprise some who worry about what we spend. But it's not our concern.

I understand the concerns, probably scars from the Moshiri era. But I have every confidence that this regime won't be reckless and won't sanction anything that financially threatens the club.

I’ve just seen on another thread that Harry Tyrer is 23.

Is it me or are youngsters getting older these days?

Surely he, and Chermiti, should be old enough to step up from promising youngster to first team squad by now?

Isnt Harry good enough to be back up to Pickford?

4 million is absolutely nothing in today's game, we've signed a keeper who knows he's going to be a back up, who has PL experience, maybe the keepers we released didn't want to sit on the bench for the best part of their careers, I'm ok with this signing.

Murph, I actually saw glimpses of Tyrer last week on the US TV series Welcome to Wrexham. They showed clips of the Blackpool/Wrexham game from April in which he made some great saves.

He's big and quick and got rave reviews at Blackpool last season with 12 clean sheets, and his manager Steve Bruce openly wants to buy him from us permanently:

“We’d like him to stay, it’s about whether that’s possible because he’s not ours. The growth we’ve put into him has been huge, he’s got better each week. He certainly feels and looks far more comfortable than he was six months ago, but I suppose that is inevitable when you keep playing."

But League One is the highest level he's played at, and if he's not going to be our #2 this season, I'm guessing it's for one of two reasons. Either Moyes doesn't consider him ready for the Prem, or he'd rather have him grow on loan (Championship?) than sit behind Picks. Or both.

Mike @ 119, but that doesn’t guarantee Moyes is right does it? Nor does it stop me believing that it’s a waste of money.

That doesn’t mean I am right either. But it is my opinion. Only time will tell who is right.

So I don’t really care about the people who sanction the sales, it’s not as if they get it right 100% of the time either is it?

23 is young in the context of a goalkeeper Mark. "Young" varies depending which position on the pitch.

Tyrer hasn't been used or tested outside the Academy.

Travers has played 70 games for Bournemouth, more for various clubs on loan and represented the Republic of Ireland senior team on a few occasions.

As for Chermiti, on that thread, I was for keeping him. We need 3 strikers in case of injury or suspension. Plus, we're stepping into the unknown with Barry and he may take time to adjust.

If we loan or sell Chermiti, we'd have to get a replacement.

With Travers being at Bournemouth at the same time as Begovic, it could be that Begovic has recommended Everton to Travers. Begovic spent two spells with us so he must think we're a decent club to be involved with.

Off thread, reading that Mason Holgate looks set for a move to Al Gharafa in Qatar.

It's a meh signing. He's played 100+ games and is ready to come in as back-up.

£4M isn't a huge fee, and his wages aren't massive. The likelihood is he could still be sold for that fee if he's time left on his contract. Is the money wasted? Probably not.

Is it imaginative? No. Imaginative is putting £4M down on a £10-12M keeper, that will be worth £25M in 2 years time or who could replace Pickford in time. But without European football and tight budget, I guess that position is off the table.

Tyrer has done well enough in the lower leagues, but I'd be surprised if he did make it in the Premier League. He's going to need to be in around the Championship soon to get that experience level under his belt.

Douglas Lukjanciks seems the bright young thing that top clubs were chasing. Played 20 U18 games, he needs some good loans in the coming years.

Ha, Steve – you're funny. Plenty of people have commented on this thread.

If you actually read the thread it wasn't me saying this back up goalkeeper isn't good enough.

I'm okay with the signing. It makes the gap from Number 1 to Number 2 goalkeeper smaller for a cheap fee.

I'll look forward to seeing where Begovic and Virginia end up.

I don't think you need to get defensive, Anikka. You've made your point and stuck to it. I don't think many have issue with that; I certainly don't.

I can't comment on your knowledge of the player, as I don't recall watching him play. I may have, but probably took no notice. I'm just assuming you have. And that isn't questioning you, by the way.

It's been an interesting thread. Earlier, I did question the logic of releasing two keepers, but it happened, so it's not really a debate. For whatever reason, they've left the club. Be that a club decision, a player decision or mutual consent. Either way, they don't represent Everton anymore.

Back to Tyrer. He is listed in the first team squad, which makes sense as most clubs have at least 3 keepers. Could he go back outon loan? Possibly, but we would surely build in a call-back clause, because if anything happened to Pickford, we'd be down to one.

Danny (#121);

I wish I hadn't read that post of yours as it brought to mind that fairly modern saying that has passed into legend: "Houston, we have a problem".

Welcome to Everton, Mark, and wishing you all the best, you have signed for a great club!

Travers also helps fills the homegrown rota, I believe.

Not sure Begovic or Virginia would have done.

Another signed, next please.

As always, a ranging array of opinions with many doubting spending £4M on a back-up keeper who may rarely play.

But if Jordan tries to cut VVDickhead in half again and is missing for 3 games, or picks up an injury or is ill etc, then the "back-up keeper" is first choice. Hence, £4M is, hopefully, money well spent, although I'm still intrigued as to why Virginia was not retained.

We actually released 4 keepers, Danny.

Although, to be fair, I am not sure either Crellin or Leban were good eough. Maybe they nhadn't progressed at all.

Welcome on board, Mark.

Nothing gets the fans excited like signing a reserve keeper.

He's here and he's an Everton player now.

I won't go into the whole "Is he good enough?" or "Who else was available?" It's irrelevant now.

Good luck, Travers. Welcome to the mighty blues.

At £4M is Mark Travers the second most expensive goalkeeper that Everton have ever bought?

Huge signing!

Alan, there was a Bryn Gunn who played for Nottingham Forest. He was a fullback, I think. Bryan Gunn was the Norwich goalkeeper. I used to get these mixed up when collecting Panini stickers around 1985 and 1986.

Well Leban went to Slovakia so I guess he wasn't good enough.

The bottom line is we needed a backup keeper.
OK so we’ve signed one.
I just wish we were having such in depth discussions about the positions that are essential to our progression as a club,namely CM,RW and RB.
I know order of signing is not significant but it is really frustrating that we are wasting so many column inches on a backup keeper who will rarely get any playing time, when we’ve known for so long where more important positions need to be filled.
I look forward to the time we can spend as much energy and emotion on discussing more important issues than a backup keeper

What was the point of releasing Joao Virginia or did he not want to renew his contract?

I said I didn't think he was good enough earlier in the thread.

We signed a reserve keeper for only £4m, and never heard so much comments repeatedly said, for a player who will be sitting on the bench, like Bergovic and Virginia were.

Hey Danny @126,

Tyrer hasn't been used or tested outside the Academy.

Might have to have you sit in the corner on the naughty step for that one, Danny. The ToffeeWeb Fact Checker says you seem to be completely ignoring (or deliberately devaluing) a decent spell out on loan as the main goalkeeper for Blackpool in League One last season.

A total of 42 games in League One, FA Cup and EFL Trophy. I think there were stories of them wanting him back, but that ain't gonna happen.

And before that, in 2023-24, a decent spell at Chesterfield, 43 games.

And before that, in 2022-23, a decent spell at Chester, 55 games.

I understood that it was 4 Annika, but only 2 of them were ever going to deputise for Pickford.

Anyway, they are gone and Travers is now an Everton player, as anticipated, so I'll welcome him to the club. Listening to his interview, he understands the situation is happy to be here and looking forward to working with Pickford and help Tyrer.

I hope Tyrer develops quick, because as it stands, if anything happens to Pickford, he steps up as No 2 GK. God forbid Travers picks a know, then he gets a field promotion.

I would like to say we use them in the early rounds of the cups, but I'm fed up of Everton doing that and falling foul of it. Pick the strongest team to start, win the tie, then bring them off. Not the other way around and chase the game.

I want us to go for a trophy this season. There is no reason we can't.

I should have been more accurate Michael, but thanks for pulling me up.

I was referring to his Everton career.

I just hope we don't loan him again, or we'll probably need another keeper.

Liverpool sign Wirtz, making an enquiry for Isak for £120M
City sign a £100M a year shirt manufacturer deal.

We as Everton fans comment about a £4M reserve goalkeeper .

What is the point of football anymore?

£4M?!

We could have got not a hell of a lot for that in any other position.

What are people complaining about?

Talking of Norwich goalkeepers, let's not forget that John Ruddy ended up playing for the Canaries, and a former goalkeeper / Norwich manager made a creditable bid to be the worst Everton Manager in living memory. Sorry if that triggers people...

I recall most of the players absolutely loathed him.

Fortunately he was replaced by another Norwich connection (and Everton striking icon) Joe Royle.

I was at Chelsea when Paul Rideout scored to give us a 1-0 away win - can older heads on here confirm that was Joe Royle's first game as Manager?

Matt 154.

3rd game I think.

Joe Royle first match in charge was Everton 2 Liverpool 0

Second match I think Chelsea 0-1

Third match Leeds 3-0

Now on that point Ryan, I can, for once, fully agree with you

The point of football, Ryan, is for Donald Trump to keep huge golden trophies at the White House.

Christy @ 146,

I was actually talking about Leban in my previous comment

Some nice comments on twitter from Bournemouth fans who presumably watched him more than I have under their clubs confirmation that Travers has joined Everton

Danny #130, you've seen Travers play at least three times -- against us.

Most recently just this past January when he shut us out, although that's a generous description since we didn't manage a single shot on goal that day.

He also shut us out there in 2022. Three saves.

And you see him every time you watch the replay of Doucoure scoring THAT goal -- because he was the keeper left frozen by that volley.

Travers has been out of the picture for Ireland recently, behind Kelleher and O'Leary. The latter is now injured long-term. But it doesn't seem likely he'll get enough games with us to get back in frame.

Quotes from his signing today:

“I’m extremely proud and excited to be an Everton player.

“Coming in, you can feel how big this club is and the history that comes with it. You really feel that with the fanbase, the new stadium now as well and the direction the club is going in.

“It’s a fresh start for me to come up here and try a new chapter in my career.

“It’s a really exciting time to be part of this massive football club and I just can’t wait to get going.”

“Jordan [Pickford] is an outstanding goalkeeper for club and country. I’m looking forward to competing with everyone here and being a Premier League player.

“Being in this environment is huge. We’re going to push each other every day in training and whatever happens on the weekend, we’re going to be there for each other and make the most of every opportunity that comes.

“It’s always really exciting to work with a new group and being able to help the younger lads as well. I’ll give it everything. I’ll take pride in doing the right things on and off the pitch and representing this club with a lot of pride.”

Not exactly original stuff. Right out of the cliche' machine.

I don't think I've ever seen a reserve keeper cause so much furore. Are we all really that bored?

Nothing lasts forever. As long as we organise the club properly we can can build a very good side. The RS are in a good moment but still v reliant on Salah and VDD.

Andrew, I think you've just answered your own question!

Robert.. true..but they've just bid £120m for Isak.. according to David Ornstein

Welcome to Everton, good signing

Josh #140, Transfermkt has him fourth, but what price a Gordon West now who was the most expensive goalie at the time when he signed from Blackpool.

Ryan #142, it's where he's from.

I know Mike. As I said, I probably have seen him a few times, just not noticed.

I wouldn't have had clue who he was or whether he was Bournemouth's first choice keeper.

That 'contract' in the photo is only one page, that can't be a real contract when mine are 15 pages long and he must have a lot more T&Cs than me.

OK, on closer inspection it's two pages, could be the Agreement section with all the standard T&Cs as an attachment.

But still, his pen is hovering not over the signature page, but over the first page.

Decent keeper at a relatively good price that should (hopefully) end up being less than 5% of our spend this summer.

Now go and get a pacy, goal scoring RW, a hardworking CM who can create and a dynamic RB who can defend well but also get up and down the line all day please!

Stephen # 165, but all we can do is get our own house in order.

Some very well run clubs - including the RS - have shown the way.

Hopefully the primary targets, are

Douglas Luiz
Franca
Bakayoko

Ryan 156. Yeah, you're right it was the 2nd game. Don't know why I thought it was the 3rd.

Seems we were prepared to pay the release clause for Francisco Conceição but he wants to stay at Juve

Speculation that Harry Tryer has a £500k price tag. Blackpool are interested

Conceicao is only on loan at Juve though isn't he Ryan?

Ryan #175 Blackpool have signed an Argentinian keeper on a free from Wycombe, even though Bruce was very impressed with Tyrer last season.

He is Andrew but reports say he wants to stay at juve

Thanks Christy I wasn’t aware of that

Is he big enough for the Premier League Ryan?

Good news imo!
Hope he will be a good match for the club, and get some cup games. Good luck to him.

Never watched him Andrew.

I don’t have time to watch hours of football like Annika (just joking)!!

And it sounds like Luiz wants to go to Spurs. That, plus Bakayoko close to heading to Eintracht.
If were Tom Fellows I’d be keeping my phone fully charged. Unless they produce another South American we haven’t thought of - again.

I thought this Jake. All these foreign links and we will end up with Tom Fellows from West Brom

Go into retirement, it’s easy then

We are still not an attractive destination for a lot of players. We will have to live with that reality for some years to come, sadly.

Correct in one respect, Colin - in that we’re not attractive atm but look at Aston Villa - that’s our template for how to defy expectations quicker than predicted. Two seasons from Stevie Me to Champions League. Moyes isn’t at the level of Emery but he’s not that hugely far off.
I can’t wait to see how Bramley Dock will completely change the dynamic. Or not.

Paddy Boyland has posted an extensive analysis of the Travers signing on The Athletic. For those without a subscription, here's an edited version (I left out the charts and the stuff we all know):

On the face of it, there was little wrong with Everton’s goalkeeping department last season. Jordan Pickford had another stellar campaign, once again ranking among the Premier League’s best shot stoppers statistically, and was ably supported by backups Joao Virginia and Asmir Begovic.

Virginia and Begovic were largely unheralded figures behind the scenes; key pillars who set standards in training and pushed Pickford to maintain his high levels. The former deputised well in cup competitions, while Begovic was seen as an experienced older head and part of the senior leadership group at the club. Yet the decision was taken by manager David Moyes to move both on this summer, despite Everton holding the option to extend Virginia’s contract by a further year.

Moyes’ logic was simple. As Begovic told The Athletic last month, he wanted “fresh blood” — someone young and hungry — to compete with Pickford for game time.

A number of options were explored as Everton looked to strengthen their goalkeeping ranks. There were whispers of interest in Sheffield United’s Michael Cooper, who had a strong 2024-25 campaign in the Championship. But in new signing Mark Travers, Everton believe they have secured the right man.

Finding someone willing to come in and deputise for Pickford is not an easy task, particularly with the England No 1’s hold on the position. Travers also had interest from clubs in the Premier League and at the top of the Championship, but while others were more indecisive, Everton registered their interest early in the window. There was also the option of remaining at Bournemouth and competing for a place there.

The 26-year-old Republic of Ireland international is keen to be a first-choice goalkeeper, but Everton represented a step up in terms of status and were viewed as too good an opportunity to turn down. Once again, Moyes played a hands-on role in the process, mapping out the project. The presence of fellow Irishmen Seamus Coleman and Jake O’Brien will also have helped.

Travers is unlikely to have received any assurances on game time. For now, he will almost certainly have to make do with appearances in cup competitions and stake his claim in those matches as well as in training. However, he is much younger than the 31-year-old Pickford and will no doubt back himself to make an impression.

He joins Everton off the back of a successful 2024-25 campaign, first at Bournemouth and then on loan in the Championship with Middlesbrough. Travers made a string of impressive late saves in Bournemouth’s Premier League win over Manchester City in November and was one of the best shot stoppers in the second tier for Middlesbrough. [He] prevented 4.6 goals based on the quality of shots he faced in the second half of the season.

At 6ft 3in (1.91m), Travers is taller than Pickford and has different strengths. He’s relatively comfortable coming off his line and mopping up loose balls, as displayed on the sweeper-keeper chart below. Based on last season’s form, he also tends to be more aggressive coming off his line for crosses, too, using his height to good advantage. Travers splits his goal kicks fairly evenly between long and short, but tends to play the ball to feet in open play.

Born in Maynooth, County Kildare, a small university town 15 miles to the west of Dublin, he joined Bournemouth’s academy aged 17 from Shamrock Rovers.

Initially seen as edgy and obsessive, to the point where it could cloud his judgement, he developed well under the tutelage of Bournemouth goalkeeping coaches Rob Burch and Gary Stewart. Between them, they worked hard on his distribution and focused on improving his all-round game.

Travers played a key role in their promotion to the Premier League in the 2021-22 season, picking up the golden glove for the most clean sheets.

“He didn’t have a really big presence about him, but I see the polar opposite now. He’s come on so much and can pull off big saves in big moments,” then-manager Scott Parker told Dorset Live after that promotion-winning campaign.

The next step for Travers will be to try to make an impression with Everton and add to his four Republic of Ireland caps, the last of which came in 2023 against New Zealand.

For both club and country, the challenge ahead is considerable. Pickford will be exceedingly tough to dislodge at Everton, while former Liverpool goalkeeper Caoimhin Kelleher, who joined Brentford this summer, is ahead of him in the international pecking order.

Joining Everton affords Travers another chance to show what he can do, provided he can impress sufficiently to take a decent share of the minutes on offer. Moyes, meanwhile, now has someone to properly compete with Pickford.

So we go from one average back-up keeper to another average back-up keeper?

But the new one cost £4M.

I can't quite work out what the point or problem is.

Annika, you seem very negative and concise on this matter.

Back-up keepers tend by their very nature to be average or prospects. Often towards the end of the career and described as "good in the dressing room" or "a safe pair of hands".

At least we've signed a keeper with Premier League experience and potential.

Have a lovely day, all.

£4M is pocket change for our $8.4B owner. We just spent about seven times that for Barry.

Clearly we can afford this purchase with ease. And he's a keeper that Davey clearly likes better.

Don't forget, Annika told us no one else wanted him but Paddy has said this isn't the case.

Great piece from "The Athletic", Mike.

I already thought this was a good signing, but had I not, that would have convinced me. One of the joys of debate on this site, actually of debate anywhere, is the possibility of having one's opinion changed by a good argument.

Last happened with me when my views on Duncan Ferguson were changed positively by some good points. Having entrenched opinions isn't always good.

Anthony @190,

Anikka has made his opinion on Travers very clear, which is his right, having watched him a lot more than me.

I still think a few are scarred from the Moshiri years and worry about spending. I doubt this regime will descend into that level of financial recklessness. So I don't concern myself about it. If the proposal put forward get's approval, then the board and owners believe it is affordable and worth the investment.

Andy, always torn on Duncan. Loved his passion, loved his connection with the club and supporters. As I've said many times, from my point of view, his disappointed as much as he gave us great moments.

Joe Royle summed it up perfectly early days, when he said Duncan was in danger of becoming a legend before he became a player.

Annika, it would seem there are no better options available as a back-up keeper than Travers.

Even you, who watches lots of football, can't name one single better alternative.

Don’t tell Annika (!!) but Everton Academy have completed the signing of highly rated Liverpool Goalkeeper, Ruben Savvas for a reported fee of £200K

The 14 year old has represented England U15s and will join up with the Everton U15s this season.

Seems like a pretty Savvy signing!

Mike (188);Thanks for that report Mike, I liked that part “ He is aggressive coming off his line for crosses” something there for Pickford to learn from, so that£4M could be money well spent!