Amadou Onana raves about ‘legendary’ Everton amid transfer links in ‘I’ll never forget’ admission
Amadou Onana has admitted he will “never forget” the drama of avoiding relegation with Everton on the final day of the season against Bournemouth.
The Belgian midfield star has been linked to a £60million summer departure but has spoken in glowing terms about the “legendary” Toffees after the 1-0 win over Bournemouth on Sunday (28 May) secured Premier League survival.
A £33.5million signing from Lille last summer he quickly became a regular in the heart of the midfield, and the experience has evidently had a lasting effect.
Onana told L’Equipe of the experience on the final day: “It was exceptional. For me, a huge emotional lift. There was a lot of pressure, stress and fatigue, given what was at stake. The club has never been relegated to the Championship. It is one of the founding members of the Premier League.
“At half-time we were told Leicester were leading on their home turf. Mathematically, we were temporarily relegated. We had to manage a lot of emotions while staying focused to try to score in 45 minutes. I have never run so much. It was the game of survival for this very big club. I’m glad we got the job done.
“I’ll never forget. It is etched in my head and in my heart for life. It is a legendary club. This is only my third professional season. I never imagined going through this so soon. I prefer to live it now rather than at 29 years old.”
Bond
It is difficult to gauge Onana’s mindset heading into the summer transfer window, as it is abundantly clear the high regard he holds Everton in after just a single season.
But there is a hint of the departing tribute to how he referred to the Toffees, which would increase concerns that he is ready to make another step up if the expected market for him materialises this summer.
With Declan Rice the prime target in a transfer window where it seems like just about every big club in the Premier League is looking for a central midfielder, all but one are going to be left disappointed with the outcome of the race for the West Ham captain.
It is not a great stretch of the imagination to see those left empty-handed turning their attentions to Goodison Park in a big way, after a solid debut season in difficult circumstances from 21-year-old Onana.
Sean Dyche and the fans would surely be loath to see the headline arrival from a year ago move on already, but if money is once again tight or there is a need to record a strong profit on the accounts the midfielder seems like the most saleable asset.
Having moved in each of the past three summers, and gone from Bundesliga II to Premier League and international star in a short space of time, he is clearly on an upward trajectory.
While he reportedly rejected advances from Chelsea and Arsenal in January, unless Dyche can convince him that another relegation battle isn’t on the cards he may now be ready to continue his streak of transfers.
But if he is to move on it is clear that he will look back fondly on his time at Goodison Park, despite the trials and tribulations of another tumultuous Everton campaign.