The Everton academy teen who could replace Amadou Onana under Sean Dyche

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Everton’s January transfer window was a culmination of years upon years of failure in the market, leading to their financial ruin.

Farhad Moshiri‘s recklessness and blind desire to make the Toffees a force once again has only seen them regress, with the Premier League more than delighting in the opportunity to nail them to the ground after such misconduct.

As such, the entire month was dominated by who might leave the club rather than who would join, as countless stars were linked with an exit from Goodison Park.

In the end, there was no movement, and Sean Dyche was allowed to continue this season with the same squad he started it with.

However, in Amadou Onana, there seems to be a quiet acceptance that this summer might mark his last should interest persist.

Will Amadou Onana leave Everton?

Having joined for £33m back in the summer of 2022, his acquisition marked a huge outlay for someone so young and unproven.

Fine stints in Germany and France were impressive, but few could have predicted just how easy he would take to the Premier League.

Now one of it, and Europe’s hottest young properties, many top clubs are now sniffing around the 22-year-old, well aware of his quality and the financial peril of his club.

Barcelona, Arsenal and even Manchester United are just three sides who have been linked, and could reignite their interest in just a few month’s time.

In fact, it was even noted that out of him and Jarrad Branthwaite, Everton’s other most valuable star, the Belgium international was ‘more likely’ to depart than his 21-year-old teammate.

Given the new long-term deal signed by the Englishman earlier this season, it seems that notion is well-supported.

Who is Jenson Metcalfe?

So, who could Dyche turn to should the worst happen and they lose Onana in the summer?

Well, given their financial woes, perhaps plucking one star from the academy could go a long way towards balancing the books whilst also giving the fanbase another young star to root for.

As midfielders go, there are few who stand out as much as Jenson Metcalfe.

Having joined the club as a five-year-old, the teenage maestro has developed quite a reputation starring for Paul Tait’s youth outfit.

In fact, even before his long-term injury there were murmurs of a potential first-team appearance, which has only been solidified by his recent presence on the bench.

Described by Everton’s official website as an ‘energetic and technically-proficient’ metronome who idolises Sergio Busquets, perhaps he could seek to emulate the legendary Spaniard by taking up the defensive midfield position that Onana currently occupies.

After all, he has the quality in possession, and standing at 6 foot also boasts the physicality to ensure that the loss of the former LOSC Lille man would not be felt too harshly.

Although he would likely need bleeding in as this season draws to a close, should Dyche manage him well, Metcalfe could be the answer to his prayers both on and off the pitch.