Everton are in a position where they cannot afford to be sentimental with their players anymore.
If a viable offer is placed, then they must be sold.
Richarlison was the first to kickstart that shift in ruthlessness, before Anthony Gordon engineered his own exit from Goodison Park the following January.
Even Alex Iwobi, who was sold for a mere £22m, had to be sold to ease the Toffees’ PSR burden.
So, Kevin Thelwell will be glad to see so many stars departing for free this summer, set to vacate so much space on the wage bill.
Of those still set to depart though, Seamus Coleman marks a rare exception to that aforementioned absence of sentimentality.
Seamus Coleman acknowledges Everton reception
The 35-year-old is an Everton legend, having joined the club in 2009 for a famed figure of just £60k, and grown into a key member of the dressing room.
Having shone for every manager as a bombing all-action right-back, as he has aged he has been forced to reduce his physical output and instead hone his defensive assets.
Now, he is a rock-solid option for Sean Dyche who seldom gets troubled by wingers far younger and far faster than he is.
Following Saturday’s win over Sheffield United, in which he kept his flank comfortably locked down all game, he was the first to emerge from the tunnel after the match to lead the lap of honour.
Rounding the Goodison Park pitch, it remains unknown where he might be next season, and thus whether it marked a goodbye.
Regardless, Dan Donachie, who was once a part of the backroom staff at Everton, has posted on LinkedIn to highlight one truly special moment where the Gwladys Street treated Coleman to a rendition of his famous chant.
The way in which his daughter turns to him in amazement is heartwarming, and his quiet acknowledgement is indicative of what a humble person he seems to be.
He will likely never know the true extent of the love Evertonians have for him.
Will Seamus Coleman sign a new Everton contract?
As such, there has been mass interest regarding his future, given his contract is due to expire next month.
And whilst many will welcome the exits of Andre Gomes and Dele Alli, freeing up precious funds, Coleman’s £55k-a-week packet is hardly bound to break the bank if it were to be extended for another year.
It is the least he has earned, and Dyche has been upfront on the matter.
He noted just last week: ‘No he’s been great but it’s ongoing I think. I’ve already spoken to him about his view, I mean there’s a couple of weeks left but said reflect on where you’re at. I think his thirst is to keep playing, so we’ll be looking into that.
‘So I don’t think there’s any reason to wonder about his last game, or not at this stage, and certainly that’s his words, not mine. He’s made it clear that at this stage his mindset is to keep playing.’
So, by all accounts, we can expect to enjoy one last season of Coleman before he departs ahead of the Bramley-Moore Dock move-in.
