Everton, despite what Farhad Moshiri promised, have become a club that is very often forced into offloading their most sellable assets.
It was always the case under David Moyes, but with good reason. The ownership was not laden with cash, and therefore big-money departures helped keep the club afloat.
They were in a permanent state of mediocrity, and for most fans, that was enough.
However, when the Iranian billionaire hopped on board in 2016, that was expected to change.
Backed by his endless riches, no longer would they have to sell to bigger clubs to stay afloat. They were instead set to compete with them!
And yet, having seen Romelu Lukaku, Richarlison, Ross Barkley, John Stones and Anthony Gordon all since depart, there could still be more to come with Jarrad Branthwaite this summer.
Jarrad Branthwaite could leave Everton this summer
Having starred for the Toffees this season, it is no surprise that the 21-year-old titan has garnered widespread attention from rival clubs.
After all, he is a tall, pacey, powerful and composed defender, with a maturity well beyond his years.
As such, the likes of Manchester United, Manchester City, Tottenham Hotspur and Real Madrid have taken an interest, just to name a few.
That kind of financial power, plus the promise of playing at a much higher level than his current one, could prove impossible to deny this summer, even if the club have desperately slapped a £100m price tag on their top talent.
Fortunately, there is an outstanding heir to Branthwaite just waiting to be poached in Jacob Greaves.
Everton show interest in Hull City’s Jacob Greaves
And, with one report having detailed their interest already, it is an avenue that Kevin Thelwell is already seemingly exploring.
Whilst his touted £20m price tag might seem lofty for a side under such financial stress, it would mark a drop in the ocean for what they might receive from the Branthwaite sale.
And, when looking at the two side by side, there are huge comparisons that suggest the 23-year-old could slot right in alongside Tarkowski and ease the potential blow of such a sale.
This season, for a Hull City side challenging for the play-off spots, Greaves has remained an impressive figure, dominating at the back.
Much like Branthwaite, who has helped Everton cultivate a backline that has conceded the fourth-least goals in the Premier League, the Tigers’ star man has been ever-present for an outfit of whom only six sides have conceded less.
Then, delving into his underlying figures, and the Hull City academy graduate is maintaining a 7.32 average rating, buoyed by his 89% pass accuracy and 1.5 tackles, 4.8 clearances and 4.8 ball recoveries per game, via Sofascore.
For comparison, his potential predecessor is instead only managing a 79% pass accuracy alongside two tackles, 4.2 clearances and 5.8 ball recoveries per 90.
Standing at 6 foot 4 and 6 foot 3 respectively too, the similarities are there for all to see.
This would represent an outstanding piece of business, should Thelwell push it through.