Vinny O’Connor shares Amadou Onana exit verdict at Everton live on Sky Sports
Vinny O’Connor believes that Everton selling Amadou Onana during the January transfer window would make ‘no sense’ amid key injuries.
The 22-year-old midfield maestro has been the subject of a transfer interest from Barcelona and Manchester United in recent weeks, as per Foot Mercato.
However, the Sky Sports reporter has stated that allowing Onana to leave Goodison Park would make no sense as Everton aim to survive Premier League relegation following their 10-point deduction.
“When injuries hit, there isn’t a whole lot behind Sean Dyche,” O’Connor said live on Sky Sports’ Transfer Centre on Wednesday (3 January, 12:34pm).
“We’ve seen how the absence of Abdoulaye Doucoure has impacted Everton. The added problem in recent weeks has been the absence of Idrissa Gana Gueye through injury.
“When you’re looking at players that are attractive to other clubs, Amadou Onana comes into that bracket. But it would make no sense to sell him given the problems Everton have in midfield.”
Tough decisions to be made
With Saudi clubs also rumoured to be interested in the Toffees midfield, a decision will need to be made over Onana’s future at the club. Everton’s financial situation may be included in the equation as they hope to avoid any further punishments after their Profit and Sustainability breach.
He has settled into life in the Premier League. After making a £33million move to Everton from Lille in August 2022, as per BBC Sport, Onana has gone on to make 55 appearances for the Toffees and has come on leaps and bounds in terms of his development.
It could be a rather eye-watering price tag if any of the aforementioned clubs are to make a bid during the January transfer window, which may be difficult to turn down. But this could have repercussions on the second half of Everton’s season, sitting just one point above the relegation zone.
Onana has already claimed nine international caps for Belgium and is an undeniable talent on the pitch, looking at home against any Premier League opponent. But this only makes the potential interest in him all the more worrying, as his departure could leave an unfillable hole in Dyche’s midfield.
In other Everton news, the Toffees are set for a surprise financial boost in January should Antonee Robinson complete his Fulham exit