Blackburn Rovers have signed Jack Barrett following his exit from Everton this summer, the Championship club have confirmed.
The second-tier side announced [16 July] that the 22-year-old goalkeeper has put pen to paper on a one-year deal following a successful trial, with the option of an extra 12 months.
According to Alan Nixon [12 July], Fleetwood Town were also after the shot-stopper’s signature this summer, though they have now missed out to John Eustace’s side, and Barrett has explained his decision.
“When I knew that Blackburn Rovers were interested, I obviously knew how big of a football club it is and the history of the club, so I was delighted to be able to sign,” he said.
“I was at Everton for 14 years – a long time – but I think it was the right time to move on and try something different and I feel like Blackburn Rovers is the perfect place for me to go.”
Jack Barrett explains Everton exit decision as Blackburn Rovers win transfer race
The Toffees had decided to trigger the one-year extension in Barrett’s contract last summer [Everton FC] before sending the shot-stopper on loan to Canadian side Cavalry FC, where he made just one appearance.
With no senior appearances to his name at Goodison Park and little movement towards a first-team opportunity, it is hardly surprising to see the young prospect broaden his horizons.
Despite his lack of first-team football, Blackburn will be buzzing to sign Barrett, who is set to join Aynsley Pears and Joe Hilton in the goalkeeping ranks at Ewood Park.
While the 22-year-old had plenty to learn from Everton and England shot-stopper Jordan Pickford, the 32-year-old was likely to keep Barrett from developing.
Pickford is showing no signs of letting up and the Toffees will be hoping to see him in between the sticks for the next couple of years, at least, leaving no room for younger players to break through.
Given his time at the club, it would not have been an easy decision for Barrett to make, but still an important one for his career.
