Everton’s dire financial position has forced them into countless sales across the last few years, and yet this has still been a season dominated by PSR punishments.
Their first, a ten-point deduction, was the largest ever administered in top-flight history.
And whilst it was later reduced to six upon appeal, Nottingham Forest’s subsequent four-point penalty drew further scrutiny from the Toffees.
They now await the outcome of their second hearing, knowing how impactful another deduction might prove to be.
It could, should it plunge them deeper into relegation trouble, actually force them into the sales of a few key assets.
What Dharmesh Sheth said about Jarrad Branthwaite’s Everton future
Speaking to GIVEMESPORT, Dharmesh Sheth, who often reports for Sky Sports News, offered his verdict on the imminent future of Branthwaite.
The 21-year-old titan has starred at the back for Everton this season, and even earned his first England call-up despite failing to be handed any minutes by Gareth Southgate.
Regardless, it was a glowing endorsement for the stellar campaign he has enjoyed, unsurprisingly attracting plenty of outside interest.
Sheth provided the following update: ‘100%. I think he could be a big topic of conversation in the summer because there are a lot of clubs who are after a centre-back. He is like gold dust as well because he is a left-footed centre-back and they don’t grow on trees.
‘I think Everton will be well aware of that. They will not want to sell Jarrad Branthwaite, but money talks. Given the financial situation that Everton have been finding themselves in over the past few seasons, this is potentially an opportunity to ease those financial worries.
‘It’s not an ideal situation for Everton because, obviously, they don’t want to let him go. But if they were to cash in, I think he would command big, big money.’
There could be a huge summer exodus at Goodison Park
Whether relegation looms or not for Everton, this summer could be one of huge overhaul for a few reasons.
Namely, the touted change of the Premier League’s PSR rules could offer some respite to a club that has been so harshly punished by them over the last nine months.
This changeover might afford some leeway to the clubs in the division, and it could allow 777 Partners to potentially endear themselves to their new fanbase with a summer spree.
However, that might have to be offset with one or two major sales, which is where Branthwaite and Amadou Onana emerge.
They are the club’s most sellable assets by some distance, as the young stars who are upholding what slimmer of positivity remains at Goodison Park.
Not only that, but alongside Jack Harrison and Arnaut Danjuma both returning to their parent clubs, there are expiring contracts for Seamus Coleman, Ashley Young, Andre Gomes, Dele Alli and Idrissa Gana Gueye.
By this time next year, we could see a completely new-look Everton. Hopefully, there have been notable improvements made, and they remain a top-flight outfit.