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Tim Howard signs for Colorado Rapids

Everton’s long standing number 1 has announced that he has completed a deal to join the Colorado Rapids at the end of this Premier League season and will be eligible to play from the 8th of July when the MLS transfer window opens.

After 13 years in the English Premier League the 37 year old goalkeeper has cut his future short at Goodison Park, where he was contracted to remain until 2018.

The American keeper who has been an almost ever present for the club since signing from Manchester United in 2007 hasn’t had the greatest season and a knee injury allowed Everton backup keeper Robles to stake a place for the number 1 jersey.

Previously a fan favourite, Howard’s performances this season have meant he has quickly started to fall out of favour with some Everton fans who have been calling for the club to sign a new keeper.

Full details of Howard’s new contract with the Colorado Rapids haven’t been released but it is believed that Colorado secured the American for a transfer fee around £415,000 with Howard expected to earn around £1.7 million per year at the club.

Out of favour with Everton and fighting to keep his place in the USA squad over Brad Guzan, Howard is believed to have felt that a return to the MLS – where he began his career in 1998 with MetroStars is the best decision for him, his career and his family.

Howard certainly seems to be excited about his future at the Rapids when asked about the switch back to the MLS.

“The Rapids are trying to build something special,” said Howard, who will attend Colorado’s game at D.C. United on Sunday and give an interview on ESPN2’s broadcast during halftime.

“They’re one of the teams who have won an MLS Cup championship. They know what it is to be a winner and they’re trying to get back to those heights. The plan that they’ve put in place to add players, to become one of the distinguished franchises in the MLS excited me. It’s a project, it’s something I’m looking forward to.”

So with Howard set to leave Everton, who will they give the number 1 shirt to next season? We’d be surprised if they went with Robles as their starting keeper next season – despite a few decent displays in Howard’s absence. Will they return to some of the names they were linked with at the end of last season or in December? Or will they pounce on a proven Premier League goalkeeper who isn’t getting game time?

We’d like to wish Tim all the best, he has made some fantastic saves throughout his career and we will certainly miss him in the Premier League!

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Daz @ KeeperPortal

Owner and creator of Keeper Portal, an FA qualified goalkeeping coach as well as being pretty impressive at keeping balls out of a net.

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