Everton’s summer is expected to be one wrought with outgoings, with Kevin Thelwell all but confirming that notion last week.
Ever since he joined the club in February 2022, the Director of Football has had to put out fires on the financial front whilst Sean Dyche has dealt with the on-pitch matters.
And, thus far, they have both worked miracles.
It is not an overnight process, but there are clear signs that the club are moving towards a healthier, more sustainable future. This has coincided with a steady return to form too, which has helped them avoid the drop with remarkable ease this campaign.
But with Jarrad Branthwaite, Dominic Calvert-Lewin and Amadou Onana all expected to be in high demand this summer, there is another key, big-money sale the club could now make which few will have foreseen.
Manchester City want Everton’s Douglass Lukjanciks
Writing in his Patreon, journalist Alan Nixon has offered a fresh update on the latest starlet who could be set to depart Everton.
However, of all the sellable assets at Goodison Park, this was perhaps the most surprising name to emerge, with teenage goalkeeper Douglass Lukjanciks potentially due a move to the defending Premier League champions.
He writes: ‘Manchester City are ready to move for Everton’s young keeper Daniel Lukjanciks – and may pay up to £10 million for him.
‘England under-17 cap Lukjanciks has been chased by several clubs but City are keen to land him this summer.
‘The deal would help Everton keep their FFP numbers right as Lukjanciks is home grown and that is significant in the calculations.
‘City want a young keeper to groom for the top. They sold several others in recent years who never played for the club.
‘There could even be an exchange deal with City sending a young homegrown player to Everton as the two outfits thrash out the package.’
Everton could be set for surprise FFP boost
Were Everton to be gifted £10m for a 16-year-old who has never even been near the first team, it would be simply impossible for Dyche and Thelwell to deny, no matter how highly-rated he may be around the club.
Despite garnering huge praise despite his youth, there is simply no assurances that Lukjanciks would develop into the superstar he is threatening to be.
Especially at a club like Everton, shrouded in unrelenting turmoil and thus not an ideal environment for a youngster to flourish.
He could well go on to enjoy great things at the Etihad, but the crucial finances this deal would offer, which it is worth noting that it would be pure profit due to his homegrown status, cannot be denied.
Should a bid come in anywhere near that touted £10m fee, the Toffees must take it, and then watch his promising career with bittersweet regret at what could have been, but also what had to be done.