View: Everton may blame Premier League rivals for losing £37m payday, with the opportunity now possibly gone for good.

The new ownership at Everton has made remarkable progress in clearing the substantial debts that accumulated during Farhad Moshiri’s tenure at Goodison Park, effectively wiping the slate clean.

This financial stability could be crucial for the Toffees as they approach upcoming transfer windows, particularly in the summer when key decisions must be made about loan players like Orel Mangala and Jack Harrison.

However, Everton faces significant challenges within the squad even before the windows open.

According to the Daily Mail, contract talks are reportedly underway for Jarrad Branthwaite, while TEAMtalk notes similar discussions for Dominic Calvert-Lewin.

Securing Branthwaite’s future is understandably a priority, but time is pressing for Calvert-Lewin, whose current contract expires at the end of the season.

This impending deadline allows Calvert-Lewin to begin negotiations with other clubs, potentially leaving Everton on a free transfer.

Such an outcome would be particularly disheartening given that the club nearly secured a transfer fee for him just months ago.

Reports from TEAMtalk reveal that Newcastle United had reached an advanced stage of negotiations to sign the 28-year-old striker last summer but ultimately failed to convince him to make the move.

Following this, journalist Paul Joyce indicated that both clubs were still working toward a resolution, with Everton initially holding out for a £37 million fee.

Now, with Calvert-Lewin entering the final six months of his contract and little indication of an extension, Everton may have to accept the possibility of losing him for free.

The missed opportunity to secure £37 million is particularly frustrating, especially as the club faces the looming threat of a third points deduction, as reported by The Times.

This situation compounds Everton’s woes, highlighting the financial blow of failing to capitalize on a valuable asset.

The thought of Calvert-Lewin leaving after more than eight years at the club—without any return—is a bitter pill to swallow for both fans and management.