Sean Dyche now set for huge Everton deadline day blunder over ‘combative’ £20m ace

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Everton’s January thus far has been one dominated by those who might leave rather than potential incomings, such is their financial plight.

The PSR restrictions enforced upon them are potentially so damaging, and with years of misconduct to fix, Kevin Thelwell has clearly had to sacrifice a few specific windows in an effort to heal the club.

And yet, despite his best efforts and the clear, tangible progress made, the Premier League remain relentless in their attempts to crush one of its most historic inhabitants.

With the signing of KC Laurence Rabinowitz hopefully set to be one of their most important in years, seeking to defend the ongoing appeal process, the opportunity to add to his evidence towards a more sustainable future must be hard to deny given the sellable assets they boast.

However, Sean Dyche must be careful to ensure he does not sacrifice the short-term, which is looking more precarious than ever, in order to facilitate the long-term.

Could Ben Godfrey leave Everton?

The sale of Ben Godfrey is one such example of a blunder they might make, despite his starring role in Tuesday’s hard-fought draw at Fulham.

Having been linked with moves to Atletico Madrid and Genoa over the last few weeks, there seems a very real possibility that the 26-year-old could be moved on for a solid fee.

But, in doing so they would lose a versatile and professional stalwart who has shone when called upon this campaign in a number of positions.

Having been signed for £20m under Carlo Ancelotti’s reign, admittedly he has not quite kicked on since that outstanding debut campaign.

However, that lack of progression can be mostly attributed to injury problems, the likes of which he seems to have overcome.

And now with a clean bill of health, there is every chance he could remain an important player for Dyche should he keep him around.

Why could Ben Godfrey be important for Everton?

After all, Tuesday did not only showcase his quality, but also a number of other key attributes which he would bring to the side.

With an ability to feature all across the backline, having deputised at both full-back roles and at centre-back in a back three and back four, there is nowhere he cannot feature.

Funnily enough, he even enjoyed a stint in midfield for his former clubs, namely York City.

During injury crises like the one Dyche is currently enduring, there is arguably nobody better at their level to have as ample backup.

After all, in his two starts this season in the Premier League, Godfrey has showcased fine focus whilst also exhibiting the physical assets which saw him lauded by Jason McGill, the chairman who negotiated his switch from York to Norwich in 2016: “I’m delighted for him. You could always see his physicality would help, he’s very combative, but he’s done everything in my opinion on his merit.’

With seven clearances and four tackles earlier this week against a resolute Marco Silva side, having previously not started since November, it would mark a huge Deadline Day blunder to try and cash in on Godfrey before the window slams shut.