Former Everton player Kevin Campbell has insisted that he is confident that Amadou Onana will remain at Goodison Park this summer, despite transfer speculation.
The Belgian international was linked with a move to Arsenal or Chelsea during the January transfer window despite only arriving on Merseyside last summer in a £35m move from French side Lille.
A move for the midfielder never materialised, though rumours of a departure at the end of this season have gathered pace, with La Liga side Atletico Madrid the latest club to be linked with the Everton star.
However, Kevin Campbell insists that Onana will stay at Goodison Park, at least for the time being as he continues to develop as a player.
Speaking with Goodison News, Campbell said: “I don’t think he’s going anywhere to be honest with you. I think the opportunity came in January even for him to leave the club and he said no, he’s staying. I think he loves it at Everton to be honest, loves the fanbase.
Would he move on in the future? Yeah, possibly. But he’s learning his trade, he’s starting every game, and he’s learning very fast what a relegation battle’s like.
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So I think it’s a really important learning curve for him as a player. And he’s got a manager there who believes in him because he’s starting every game.”
Onana future would likely rely on Everton securing PL football next season
The Belgian has been one of the Toffees’ bright sparks in an otherwise miserable season, and though his performances have dipped of late, his absence against Fulham was noticeable as the visitors overran Everton’s midfield, picking up a 3-1 win.
His departure from Goodison Park already has a feel of inevitability to it, but exactly when the Belgian leaves may well depend on Everton securing their top-flight status.