Everton told to avoid ‘foolish’ Dominic Calvert-Lewin decision amid Goodison exit links
Joe Thomas has told Everton they would be “foolish” to accept a nominal transfer fee for Dominic Calvert-Lewin if they’re in a relegation battle.
The England international has been linked with a move away from Goodison Park ahead of the January transfer window, with reports suggesting several clubs are interested in his services [TuttoJuve, 15 October].
Calvert-Lewin’s contract expires at the end of the season, meaning he could leave for nothing next summer and Liverpool Echo journalist Thomas suggests the Blues’ circumstances will determine their transfer stance in January.
Speaking on the Royal Blue YouTube channel (16 October, 6:44) he said: “I think the context will be important in terms of where Everton’s season is going at that point.
“I think Everton would always rather get money for him than not get money for him, it would certainly help their PSR situation.
“There would have been circumstances and there could still be if the takeover wasn’t to go through where for purely financial reasons, they could do really do with getting some money for him.
“By the time we get to January, you’re starting to talk about more token and nominal fees because he’s only got six months left on his contract.
“At that point, you’re weighing up which is more valuable? Having him until the end of the season or having whatever fee comes in.
“If Everton are in a position where they’re struggling to stay up or it looks like they’re in a relegation fight, I think they’d be foolish to take whatever money they can get for him as opposed to keeping hold of him and potentially having him to lead the frontline.”
Will Dominic Calvert-Lewin exit Everton amid Goodison Park transfer rumours?
Ultimately, Everton will be reluctant to see one of the more valuable members of Sean Dyche’s squad depart for nothing at the end of the season and that could push them into cashing in on Calvert-Lewin.
Alternatively, Dyche will know that he needs the England international’s goals if his side wants to avoid the drop this term. Without Calvert-Lewin, the Blues have looked toothless at the top end of the pitch.
If the Blues are not at all threatened by the prospect of relegation when January rolls around, maybe then it makes sense to justify the forward’s sale.
But if there is even a slim chance of being dragged into the dogfight at the foot of the table, the Toffees cannot afford to take that risk.
Ultimately, this entire saga should serve as a lesson to the Blues to not let players run down their contracts in this manner in the future. It creates far too much uncertainty in and around the football club.
In other Everton news, a new Nathan Patterson exit verdict has emerged at Goodison Park after recent developments
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