For so long now Everton have had to bow to the interest of bigger clubs boasting a deeper treasure chest of finances, that of which they could not say no to.
After all, under Bill Kenwright, the Toffees were forever the plucky underdog, just happy to survive and keep plodding along as a club.
Under Farhad Moshiri, that was supposed to change, however now they are arguably in their greatest position of weakness in decades.
They boast little to no financial power, after years of misspending, and the sanction already imposed by the Premier League’s profit and sustainability rules has left them scrambling desperately to ensure they comply with the latest investigation.
Well, it might not be enough to have just posted a net profit in the last three transfer windows, with reports suggesting another punishment might be in the offing as a second breach might be revealed this month.
As such, another major sale might be encouraged, with journalist Luke Edwards telling the BBC’s Transfer Gossip Daily podcast who might go out of Jarrad Branthwaite and Amadou Onana, their two prized assets.
Will Everton have to sell Amadou Onana or Jarrad Branthwaite?
The Telegraph journalist would claim: ‘The rumours about Arsenal have been around for a while and again it’s that vulnerability that Everton are projecting to the rest of football. People think they can go in and poach their best players, that’s not a good place to be in.
‘I think Onana leaving is more likely than Branthwaite leaving for sure. I think Sean Dyche will be absolutely loathed to lose him. I think they would have anticipated it in January, I think he’ll be aware of the financial situation at Everton.
‘I think Onana, from what we’re hearing, is certainly tempted to leave, I’m not going to go as far as to say he wants to leave, but I think he would be interested in either of those moves.
‘At Everton, there is a feeling that they will have to sell, but they would like to hold on until the summer, they don’t want to lose him this month. I think Onana’s vulnerable, I now would not be surprised to see him leaving Everton I have to say.’
How good has Amadou Onana been for Everton?
Although perhaps a lightning rod for criticism at times, the Belgium international would almost certainly thrive wherever he went, and whatever level he played at.
After all, he is already shining for a struggling Everton side, using his immense physique and technical quality to cruise through matches.
Given the pedigree he already boasts, it is no wonder that the 22-year-old has begun garnering interest across Europe.
When compared to other midfielders across Europe, the towering maestro sits in the top 5% for aerials won per 90, and he combines his impressive heights with a fleet-footedness that has caught the eye.
Although having admitted the connection he shares with the Evertonians, should a suitable offer come in, he would likely not think twice about taking the next natural step up in his career.
Only then will his doubters be able to see what a truly top talent they currently have, who boasts an immaculate passing range as well as the ability to throw a well-timed tackle in.
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