Everton are certainly set to endure a transformative summer, and whether that will be for better or for worse is yet to become apparent.
With a complicated takeover, plenty of transfer interest in their players and little money to spend in turn, signs are suggesting it will lean towards the latter, but fans can hope on the contrary.
After all, they have Sean Dyche in charge, and if anyone can navigate them through these troubled waters, it is him.
However, he may have to do so without one player, who is already proving to be a problem this early in the summer.
Ben Godfrey rejects Everton contract
The latest on this star comes courtesy of HITC, who claim that Ben Godfrey, despite featuring 15 times in the Premier League last season, has rejected a new contract from Everton.
It marks a questionable decision, but it does make sense if he has ambitions of becoming a starter. There is little chance he gets past James Tarkowski or Jarrad Branthwaite in the pecking order after the season they have just enjoyed.
The report reads: ‘Kelly’s arrival at Newcastle may set off a chain of events which sees Ben Godfrey bring an end to his Everton career this summer.
‘HITC understands that Kelly, having already given his word to Howe and co, turned down late attempts from AC Milan and Roma to hi-jack The Magpies deal.
‘The Serie A duo could now shift their focus to Godfrey. Four years after joining Everton from Norwich to the tune of £20 million, Godfrey has admires in Italy and has turned down offers to extend his stay at Goodison Park.’
Sean Dyche must sell wantaway Everton man
If a player does not want to be at Everton anymore, then the club must let them leave.
That simply must be the outlook from here going forwards, as this club has teetered too precariously around the relegation zone to be further burdened by those who are not interested in giving their all for the club.
That’s not to suggest that Godfrey is an example of this lack of effort, as he actually deputised quite well last campaign in a number of roles, but the decision to snub a new deal, which would likely have been similar to the current £75k-a-week one he is earning, is conclusive.
Signed during Carlo Ancelotti’s era as manager, the former Norwich City man marked a shrewd capture at the time, and he seemed poised to develop into a fine centre-back given he boasted all the physical traits needed to thrive.
A lack of consistency and injuries forced him to plug holes instead of featuring in his favoured role, and his career progression has admittedly suffered because of it.
He has been forced into a similar role as one of his teammates, but Godfrey did describe Ashley Young as a freak for playing alongside him.
However, there is still scope for him to develop at Everton, should he change his mind. If not, though, this summer arguably marks the final time to gain any kind of return on investment before his potential free exit next summer.