Everton’s financial position has been precarious for years now, but steps have been made towards healing that outstanding issue.
Kevin Thelwell deserves unlimited praise for his work towards achieving that goal of sustainability, but his mission is far from finished.
Only once the club starts to become a regular performer in the Premier League again can they consider their recovery a success, and but that point, the director of football may not be around to see his work reach a conclusion.
Since his appointment in 2022, there has never been an easy day in power. He has had to make so many sacrifices, whilst taking calculated risks that do not risk the future of the Toffees.
He could use a break, and this January he might finally be given one.
Dominic Calvert-Lewin linked with Everton exit
One of the toughest parts of the job, aside from finding players willing to join Everton, seems to have been finding willing suitors for their star men.
However, those targeted cannot simply be interested, but they must also have deep enough pockets to help fix some of the financial issues plaguing them at Goodison Park.
Nobody wanted to see Richarlison leave, but the £60m offered was too good to refuse.
Similar to the £45m that took Anthony Gordon to Newcastle United, and the £50m which Aston Villa spent to sign Amadou Onana.
The contracts of these stars were not expiring, meaning their bargaining position was one of relative strength.
However, with one of their current key men, that is far from the case.
Fortunately, Dominic Calvert-Lewin is now linked with a January exit from Everton.
Saudi Pro League could fix Everton’s finances
And, excitingly so, some of the reported suitors boast the deepest pockets of them all, with Saudi clubs reportedly battling with Juventus for his signature.
With a contract expiring, they will not want to spend too much, but the fact that they were willing to offload £40m to sign Ivan Toney in the summer, who was in a similar position to Dominic Calvert-Lewin, should excite Thelwell.
Everton manager Sean Dyche will be licking his lips at the prospect of getting a sizeable sum for their star man that allows them to wade into the market in January.
After all, if they don’t, not only will they likely be hamstrung, but they will lose him for nothing the following summer.
It seems like a necessary evil, should Calvert-Lewin reject another Everton contract, but one that could answer Dyche’s prayers and save their January plans.
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