Everton boast a rich history of youth production, having seen some incredible young stars emerge from their academy and go on to star at the top level.
However, and rather painstakingly, some of their greatest products have gone on to enjoy their best years elsewhere.
The likes of Wayne Rooney, John Stones and even Antonee Robinson came to Goodison Park as kids but thrived elsewhere for various reasons.
Well, with the Toffees potentially due to lose out on one of their star men again, albeit a far older one, that academy might be leaned on upon to ensure the squad is not left ravaged but their precious little finances remain untouched.
Having been dealt a ten-point deduction in November, and a been admonished for a further alleged breach just last week, Abdoulaye Doucoure’s regretful sale might therefore have to be sanctioned.
Could Abdoulaye Doucoure leave Everton?
Whilst the Mali international has swiftly grown into one of the club’s most important players under Sean Dyche, he is not getting any younger.
So, with interest emerging from Saudi Arabia, it could be tempting for Everton to cash in just as they did with Anthony Gordon over a year ago.
The £45m gained proved pivotal at the end of January 2023, even if they still ‘overspent’, and the same could now occur should they pry good money out of the free-spending establishment from the Middle East.
And, for one last big payday, it could certainly tempt the midfielder no matter his love for Everton.
Therefore, it is wholly plausible that he might depart, leaving a huge vacancy that would desperately need filling.
That is where the academy comes in, and more specifically Sean McAllister.
Who is Sean McAllister?
Although a Northern Irish export, this midfielder has spent the bulk of his young career in Merseyside, shining for the U18s and more recently the U21s.
And whilst it might seem a daunting task to replace Doucoure’s six Premier League goals already from this season, the most within the senior squad, McAllister’s record of two strikes in just four U21 Premier League games is indicative of a high scoring rate.
His talents are so lofty that he has already caught the attention of Kevin Thelwell too, who has admittedly had bigger fish to fry than the academy since he joined.
He would note: ‘We are very pleased Sean has signed a new contract. Sean has a lot of the key elements you require as a midfielder – technical ability, energy, composure and a strong work-ethic– and we are looking forward to helping him continue to progress.’
These are all the kind of traits that embody Doucoure’s success, and perhaps this young attacking midfielder might at least be able to plug the gap for six months whilst the club uses those vital funds to stay alive.
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