Everton simply have to sell to balance the books, but for now they have stood firm despite staunch interest in some of their prized assets.
Manchester United’s bid for Jarrad Branthwaite has been the most flagrant approach for their star man, whilst questions over Amadou Onana’s future remain unanswered as he is away on international duty.
Even Dominic Calvert-Lewin has been linked with an exit in recent months, with his dwindling contract a real bone of contention for Kevin Thelwell and Sean Dyche.
This management duo need to find some funds from somewhere, but will not want to sacrifice a large part of a squad that could easily attain a mid-table finish next season.
Aston Villa close in on Lewis Dobbin
So, with that in mind, attention will likely turn to the academy.
The possibility to offload youth products represents the best way to navigate PSR, with the recent sales of Tom Cannon, Ellis Simms and Ishe Samuels-Smith just three examples of the pure profit they have gained in recent years.
And, with Aston Villa now sniffing around Lewis Dobbin, the same could be set to occur.
That’s according to one report by The Athletic, who write: ‘Everton winger Lewis Dobbin has held positive talks over a transfer to Aston Villa.
‘The 21-year-old made 15 first-team appearances for Sean Dyche’s side last season, but started just one Premier League match. He scored his first Everton goal as a substitute in the 2-0 league victory over Chelsea in December 2023.’
His exit would be a blow to the manager, given Sean Dyche praised Lewis Dobbin for his early-season performances, admitting his appreciation for the winger.
Everton and Aston Villa could escape PSR together
Coincidentally, less than one week after Everton were linked with Tim Iroegbunam, an academy product of Aston Villa, the Birmingham-based club have now come in for a youth product of the Toffees’.
There is likely no connection between the two deals, but should both be signed for solid sums, it would give both teams a much-needed boost to the coffers, given it would represent pure profit on both ends.
Meanwhile, were the buying teams to only have to pay in instalments, payments could be deferred to later years which might help them slip through the net regarding PSR, of which the deadline is now just ten days away.
Despite qualifying for the Champions League last season, the Villans are somehow still being scuppered by these financial limitations.
Meanwhile, Everton’s relationship with these statutes are well-documented after last campaign’s double points deduction.
So, although rather speculatory, there is a world where these respective deals could help both clubs out financially, whilst bolstering areas where they need cover. It’s a win-win, even if it would be sad to see Dobbin go.