Everton have devolved into a club seemingly always doomed to lose their best assets.
Never progressing forwards, and thus lacking the ambition needed to convince their key players to stick around, it is no surprise that they always seek greener pastures.
And whether they find them or not, they all eventually come to the conclusion that risking it for potential success elsewhere is worth throwing away the safety of Goodison Park adulation.
Jarrad Branthwaite and Amadou Onana are two stars who stand out as the club’s most sellable assets at this moment in time, and now one report has detailed one suitor’s upcoming plans to pry one, or both from Merseyside this summer.
Manchester United want Amadou Onana
Writing for the Manchester Evening News, journalist Samuel Luckhurst has detailed Manchester United’s grand transfer plans for the summer, which includes another Everton raid.
Having stolen stars such as Wayne Rooney, Romelu Lukaku and Marouane Fellaini off them in the past, there is a rich history of Toffees exports making the switch to Old Trafford.
This latest report seems to suggest that Onana is next in line alongside his young defensive teammate.
He writes: ‘Manchester United are continuing to monitor Everton duo Jarrad Branthwaite and Amadou Onana.’
Luckhurst continues by outlining why the Belgian is sought after: ‘United are expected to bolster their midfield with at least one younger recruit.
‘Casemiro has generated interest from Saudi Pro League clubs, Christian Eriksen has seldom appeared since the January winter break, Sofyan Amrabat will almost certainly return to Fiorentina once his loan ends and West Ham United bid for Scott McTominay last summer.’
Everton could force out another star player
There seems to be a curious trend that is emerging at Everton, which seems to focus on one or two players every season.
More often than not, these are the side’s biggest characters, who stand out both technically and emotionally.
By being such big personalities, however, they actually open themselves up to more criticism, and as such they are hounded should they ever put in a display that sections of the fanbase deem unworthy.
During periods of form like their current one, they then become a lightning rod for all criticism.
Romelu Lukaku was subject to such comical abuse, as did John Stones before his move to Manchester City. Even Alex Iwobi, Anthony Gordon and Lucas Digne all drew scorn at times, and yet have gone on to thrive elsewhere.
It seems that the same is occurring with Onana this season.
And whilst he is liable to go missing at times, there is no denying his importance, both creativity and defensively, to Sean Dyche’s side. Darren Bent even labelled him ‘outstanding’ just last year.
They will miss him when he’s gone, but once again this fanbase will likely not realise that until he has joined a new club and started to thrive for them.