Everton transfer news: Sky Sports pundit drops ‘totally real’ Amadou Onana summer exit verdict
We’re delighted to welcome former Everton striker Kevin Campbell as our exclusive columnist. Each week the former Toffees captain will be giving his views on the biggest talking points at Goodison Park…
Kevin Campbell says that being “totally real” Everton are in no position to turn down the “right money” if an offer comes in for Amadou Onana this summer, and expects clubs to be interested.
Chelsea pushed for a January deal to sign the star midfielder, and could be joined by Arsenal, Newcastle and Atletico Madrid as interested parties for the £60million-rated Belgian this summer [Ben Jacobs, 18 April].
This time a year ago the relief of avoiding relegation late in the season was soon followed by losing star man Richarlison to Tottenham for a similar amount in order to balance the books, and with the finances again in the spotlight this year Campbell accepts it could be very much the same situation
Speaking exclusively to Goodison News the Sky Sports pundit accepted Onana could go, saying: “Yeah of course. Let’s be totally real, Everton aren’t in the position where if the right money comes in they can hold teams off.
“I don’t think they’re in that position. I think they’re in a position where they have to balance the books and they have to act smart in the transfer market.
“Losing players is something that Everton are going to have to deal with, because they do have some very good players and Onana is one of them who I know there will be quite a few clubs interested in him if he’s available.”
Onana hasn’t necessarily had the starring role in the relegation escape this year that Richarlison did a year ago, but he is certainly one of the jewels in the Everton squad and if he were to move on it would be a very similar scenario.
He showed admirable commitment to reject advances in the winter window just as everything seemed to be falling apart at Goodison, but with the Premier League having referred the club to an independent commission over a disputed profit and sustainability breach allegation there may be a scenario where he has to move on to bank the profit.
He cost £33.5million only a year ago but if he is already worth double that it would continue are rapid climb through the world of football.
The 21-year-old looks to be the exact profile that Sean Dyche would value but if his sale frees the manager up to strengthen in less well-stocked areas it could be a sacrifice he is willing to make, unless potential incoming MSP Sports Capital investment eases the pressure.