Everton could lose 8 first-team players as club face transfer embargo from FFP case
Everton face the prospect of losing eight first-team players for absolutely nothing next summer as their FFP case nears a conclusion, according to The Times.
The Toffees have been charged and are currently in a hearing with the Premier League to see the outcome, which could lead to a points deduction, a fine or a transfer embargo if found guilty.
But Everton face a huge problem should the latter happen, as they currently have eight first-team players out of contract at the end of the season who they would not be able to renew to fresh terms.
“Officials have worked closely with the Premier League on their spending over the past 18-months, running transfers past the league, for instance, and were shocked to be charged,” they wrote.
“As this is the first case to be heard, it is unclear what sanctions could be imposed should the commission side with the Premier League. Punishments range from a points deduction, a fine and a transfer embargo.
“The latter could cause Everton problems given they have eight players out of contract at the end of the season. Loan deals for Jack Harrison and Arnaut Danjuma expire next summer, while Abdoulaye Doucouré, Séamus Coleman, Ashley Young, Dele Alli, André Gomes and Andy Lonergan will reach the end of 12-month deals.”
Problem
Everton have got huge problems within the club already on the financial side of things, but on the pitch things aren’t exactly rosey either.
After narrowly avoiding relegation in each of the last two seasons, we’ve so far managed just two wins in the Premier League this season and are back battling for our lives once again.
Now there is a chance that we’ll be denied the chance to bring any new players into the club in January should this case go against us, which will most certainly mean it’s a lot harder to keep ourselves in the Premier League unless our performances massively improve.
But on top of that, if the worst were to happen and we’re unsuccessful in staying in the Premier League and end up in the Championship then we could face a huge issue with rebuilding the squad or keeping players’ futures in our control.
The likes of Doucoure, Coleman, Harrison and Danjuma would be ideal to get tied down just to protect their value, even though the latter two are loans, and we need all the cash we can get. It’s worrying times at Goodison Park.
In other Everton news, timeline shared for FFP charges outcome with conclusion expected next week.