Everton could lock themselves into outrageously stupid signing after £33.7m transfer news
Everton may be about to hit a financial self-destruct button should they commit to spending a huge amount on Lyon midfielder Orel Mangala.
It was reported on X by Florian Plettenburg [27 August] that the 26-year-old will move to Goodison Park on a season-long loan, with what was initially mooted to be an option to buy for what equals around £33.7m.
However, a new report from David Anderson on X [28 August] has claimed it will now be an obligation for the Toffees to buy Mangala, who was signed on a permanent deal only last month by Lyon from Nottingham Forest for less than half the price.
Everton in obligation to buy Orel Mangala?
If the update from Anderson is accurate, Everton are committing themselves to a huge financial commitment at a time of deep boardroom uncertainty – regardless of Mangala as a player.
The Belgian international – who will be signed as a replacement for compatriot Amadou Onana – would fill a gaping void in Sean Dyche’s squad, arrives at a prime age and with experience of a Premier League survival battle during his time with Forest.
However, to lock themselves into paying a fee which has swelled from double for what Lyon secured him would be an irresponsible move given the fact the club have no idea who their owner will be in 12 months’ time, alongside the fact there is still no guarantee Dyche would get the best out of his new player.
It has been reported by Sacha Tavolieri [27 August] that Lyon owner John Textor – currently in exclusive talks to buy Everton – is involved in the deal, unsurprising given the move of Jake O’Brien and strong links to Ernest Nuamah, who is in an identical situation to Mangala.
Textor could benefit at both ends from a potential deal, should he successfully acquire ownership of the club from Farhad Moshiri in the future.
Enough will be taking place at the club regarding attempts to repay building debts, the new stadium move and a potentially high squad turnover – not to mention relegation would be catastrophic for the club as an asset.
Granted, Onana was sold for a healthy £50m fee to Aston Villa, but to commit to spending two-thirds of that sum on a replacement next summer when there is no idea how the land will lie is an almighty risk.
Let’s hope for Everton’s sake the deal for Mangala will merely be a loan with an option.
In other Everton news, Simon Jordan has hit out at Neal Maupay after Saturday’s incident at Euston.
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