Ben Foster (Getty Images)
According to The Sun, Everton are planning a shock move for Watford shot-stopper Ben Foster ahead of the new campaign.
The report suggests that Foster is one of the most wanted men in the top-flight, especially after the Hornets were relegated to the Championship. However, they will have to face competition from Chelsea, who are also looking to sign the 37-year-old to replace Spaniard Kepa Arrizabalaga.
Born in England, Foster rose through the ranks of racing club Warwick before joining Stoke City in 2001. However, he spent most of his stoke career on loan spells with Bristol City, Kidderminster and Wrexham. Manchester United signed him and immediately loaned him to Watford in 2005 and he returned to Old Trafford a year later and won two league titles and three English League Cup titles.
Since then, he has played for Birmingham City and West Brom before joining the Hornets in the summer of 2018. He helped them secure top-flight status last season but despite his brilliant performances, they were relegated this time.
The Toffees conceded 56 goals throughout the campaign and one of the chief reasons for their poor show is the lack of stability in their defence. But at the same time, goalkeeper Jordan Pickford hasn’t been at his best. He has managed just 9 clean sheets this season.
Moreover, apart from Pickford, there is no other established shot-stopper in their ranks. Denmark international Jonas Lossl just returned from a loan spell with Huddersfield Town, where he didn’t have the best of times.
Young Portuguese U21 international Joao Virginia is the only other goalkeeper in the squad but he has just got promoted from the U23 squad. He is inexperienced and is unlikely to get a start next season. Thus, bringing in an experienced shot-stopper could be helpful for the team.
In that regard, Foster would be a smart signing for the club. The Englishman has made nearly 470 career appearances, mostly in English football and his experience could come in handy for the club. Despite Watford’s abysmal performance, he managed to keep 9 clean sheets this season and could get better with a proper defensive line in front of him.
His inclusion would add healthy competition to England’s No. 1 and the manager could use Foster in the cup competitions, whilst being able to rotate his squad with ease.
With Pickford being the only established shot-stopper in their ranks, it is clear that reinforcements are needed in the goalkeeping department for Everton. And Foster, who has enjoyed an entire English football career, could be a proper backup. Thus, the Toffees should sign the former Manchester United this summer.
