Everton are expected to have to sell at least one or two big names to offset their PSR problems, but for now, Kevin Thelwell is focusing on other avenues.
After all, having made outgoings the club’s focus for nearly three years now, the Toffees are starting this summer off differently, instead prioritising how they can improve this squad rather than ravage it.
A refreshing alteration for a fanbase starved of positivity, at last the Toffees have something to get excited about, with new players, new ownership and a new mentality just in time for the new Premier League season.
However, these things do not come free, and if Everton are to buy Iliman Ndiaye as well as a few others, someone has to go.
Well, one report seems to know who that might be.
Sky Sports provide update on Amadou Onana’s future
The latest comes via Sky Sports, who have sought to burst Everton’s bubble by issuing an update on Amadou Onana’s future.
It was always expected that the Belgium international would be the most likely to depart Goodison Park this summer, given his pedigree and the interest his talents have commanded.
However, as positivity grows, so too does the hope that perhaps Sean Dyche can convince all of his favoured men to stay for one final year before they move into the new stadium.
This is an unrealistic goal, of course, and the report offers the sad reality of what is to come. It reads: ‘Everton’s move for Ndiaye comes amid interest from Bayern Munich in Toffees midfielder Amadou Onana, according to Sky in Germany.
‘Sky Sports News understands the 22-year-old is expected to leave Goodison Park this summer and is valued at around £50m.’
Roberto Martinez, who once managed Everton and handed Onana his international debut with Belgium, will be particularly sad to see this news, as he once described him as one of the hottest talents in Europe.
He noted in 2022: ‘We’re talking about a 20-year-old boy that is probably one of the most talented young players at that age in European football. That’s how excited we are in Belgium.’
‘Sometimes he reminds you of a young Patrick Vieira in the way he drives with the ball.’
Amadou Onana might be a necessary Everton sacrifice
Of all the players that Everton were likely to sell this summer, Onana was likely the most expendable.
After all, Dyche even went without the 22-year-old for the final portion of last season, tactically opting to start Idrissa Gana Gueye in his place.
This then coincided with their best run of form of the year, which saved them from relegation.
Jordan Pickford and Jarrad Branthwaite are two players who the club simply cannot afford to lose at any cost, meanwhile, Dominic Calvert-Lewin seems the most likely alternative who might leave instead of or as well as Onana.
These are the two outbound deals to keep an eye on in the coming future, but the former LOSC Lille midfielder now seems the favourite to exit imminently.
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