It was widely thought that, at Goodison Park this summer, Everton would have to sell way before they could buy.
After all, whilst June 30th remains a date that is looming over the club like a dark cloud, with all the PSR ramifications that could come if they do not adhere to the statutes, beyond that represents the start of a new financial year.
So, the opportunity to spend will likely be renewed, and the Toffees can then likely sink their teeth into a few of their targets.
For now, they still have the small task of balancing the books for this ongoing year, and could do so with one major sale that would see one of their star assets depart.
Newcastle United still want Dominic Calvert-Lewin transfer
Whilst Jarrad Branthwaite could still leave for Manchester United, or Amadou Onana might be tempted to depart after his fine form with Belgium, it is instead Dominic Calvert-Lewin who actually seems the closest to an actual exit at the moment.
The English striker has been a mainstay when fit ever since Sean Dyche joined Everton, and it is no secret that the two share very similar ideals on how to play football.
Ever since joining from Sheffield United, his physicality has only gone from strength to strength, thus turning him into the hulking striker he is today.
His hold-up play is second to none, and he thrives off the long balls often pumped his way.
So, many might wonder why he would even consider leaving Everton, with Newcastle United frontrunners to sign Calvert-Lewin at this stage.
Well, The Northern Echo has sought to provide that context, as they write: ‘He is understood to have reservations about the direction of his current club, who are still attempting to engineer a successful takeover, and is interested in the prospect of moving to St James’ Park.’
Why would Dominic Calvert-Lewin leave Everton?
There are plenty of reasons to justify Calvert-Lewin’s exit from Everton, even if it is one that would sting.
After all, last campaign saw him start 26 league games under Dyche, scoring seven goals.
His place atop the club’s scoring charts that season is nothing to write home about, but he did take great strides forward towards usurping Romelu Lukaku as the club’s all-time top scorer in the Premier League.
That moniker, along with his Englishness and his unique profile, makes him a desirable target for clubs seeking to diversify their attacking line.
With just one year left on his deal, this summer marks the last chance for Everton to make any profit on the man they signed for just £1.5m eight years ago.
Therefore, the opportunity to make a huge lump sum of near-enough pure profit is too good for a club still seeking to avoid PSR sanctions to turn down.