Everton’s summer will almost definitely be one plagued with transfer turmoil, as a whole host of their players are seemingly seeking exits.
The European Championships could delay any major sales, but eventually the Toffees might just have to bite the bullet in order to stave off the June 30th deadline put in place for PSR.
So, that leaves stars like Amadou Onana, Jarrad Branthwaite and Jordan Pickford all under threat of a bid.
There seems to be a varying outlook from these players on whether they would be open to outside interest, but now one pundit thinks the former is actively seeking a way out from Merseyside.
Could Amadou Onana leave Everton this summer?
The commentary team would briefly touch on the former LOSC Lille midfielder early in the second half, with Clive Tyldesley actually quizzing Andros Townsend on Onana.
Asking where he felt his best position was, given the two enjoyed a brief crossover whilst at Everton, the Luton Town winger spoke live on ITV: ‘He can play number six, he can play number ten, but I just think box-to-box role, he’s got the engine, he’s got the legs. He can drive with the ball, he can play cute passes.
‘I think that’s where he’ll end up, in a sort of number eight box-to-box midfield role.’
However, that sparked Tyldesley to suggest that such a wide array of talents would surely earn him a move from Goodison Park, as he replied: ‘I’m sorry Everton fans, where he’ll end up is probably not Goodison Park next season. He is a man in demand and he wants to be, he’s made no secret of the fact that he wants to parade his talents during this tournament.
‘Arsenal and Aston Villa are the names that are being mentioned most often in association with 6 feet 4 Amadou Onana.’
Fortunately, Townsend was on hand to defend his former employers: ‘He’s also got about three years left on his contract so he can say what he wants.’
Everton will want to keep both Amadou Onana and Jarrad Branthwaite
When it comes to this summer, there is a really unique and interchanging power dynamic between Everton, the selling club, and those seeking to prey on their misfortune.
After all, when it comes to the likes of Onana and the 21-year-old centre-back, they should hold all the cards.
The former, as Townsend noted, is still very much tied down to a contract that expires in 2027. Meanwhile, the Branthwaite signed a new deal back in October, strengthening their bargaining position way before anyone had begun sniffing around.
That foresight was intelligent, but it does not make them completely safe from an exit this summer.
After all, June 30th marks the PSR deadline, and it is widely believed that sales are needed to balance the books and avoid further punishments like the ones accrued in the last Premier League season.
So whilst they do not have to sell due to the lengthy contracts aforementioned, they might have to anyway, forgoing their position of strength, purely to adhere to PSR.