Managing Everton: Amadou Onana Departs, Kalvin Phillips Joins, and a Crucial New Deal Secured

Every summer seems pivotal for Everton, but this one truly stands out as crucial both on and off the pitch. Everton is gearing up for their final season at Goodison Park. However, the anticipated ownership by 777 Partners will not materialize, as their Share Purchase Agreement has concluded. This leaves Farhad Moshiri to evaluate all options for the club’s future ownership. Despite this uncertainty, the club insists it will operate normally, but manager Sean Dyche warns that a takeover is essential for effective player recruitment; otherwise, he will be “juggling dust” instead of “juggling sand.”

Director of football Kevin Thelwell has indicated that “players will be sold,” but emphasized the importance of building a sustainable football model through astute trading. He assures that this does not mean a ‘fire sale.’ As the transfer window approaches, our business of football writer Dave Powell notes that Everton faces no immediate cash flow crisis, thanks to imminent Premier League merit payments and broadcast revenue. The transfer window offers a vital opportunity to generate funds through player trading, with Amadou Onana being the most appealing candidate for a lucrative sale.

Sources suggest that Onana’s representatives are keen for the Belgium international to advance his career this summer. This sentiment might be shared within Goodison Park and by Dyche, who did not always start the player. Another significant asset is Jarrad Branthwaite, valued at over £80 million. However, as a key player in Dyche’s squad, he could benefit from another season with Everton, potentially increasing his value further.

Jordan Pickford, England’s number one goalkeeper, has been crucial in keeping Everton in the Premier League. Selling him would be a massive loss, given his loyalty and settled status at the club. Other players could also fetch significant fees, but with just over a year left on his contract, Dominic Calvert-Lewin might not achieve his full market value. However, it’s understood that the 27-year-old has been offered a new contract, a move that could be financially wise for the club.

Given Calvert-Lewin’s status as one of only four players to score 50 Premier League goals for Everton, retaining him, even without new terms, might be better than selling him for a reduced fee. This is especially true considering his original transfer fee of just £1.5 million from Sheffield United. Recent recruits Beto and Youssef Chermiti, costing a combined £40 million, have yet to reach similar levels of performance.

Everton must now engage in ‘astute’ trading to strengthen their squad. With Andre Gomes and Dele Alli’s contracts expiring, the wage bill will be reduced, necessitating affordable replacements. The potential departure of Onana could leave a void in the midfield, making it logical for Everton to pursue a loan move for Manchester City’s Kalvin Phillips. Phillips, who has struggled under Pep Guardiola, could find a fresh start under Dyche. Additionally, Jack Harrison, with a loan clause at Leeds United, presents another cost-effective option, especially after Leeds failed to secure promotion back to the Premier League.

In summary, this summer is pivotal for Everton’s future on multiple fronts. With the departure of 777 Partners, the need for a sustainable model through careful trading is clear. Key players like Onana, Branthwaite, Pickford, and Calvert-Lewin will be central to these efforts, either through their sale or retention. Manager Sean Dyche and director Kevin Thelwell must navigate these challenges to build a competitive squad for their final season at Goodison Park and beyond.