New Everton Signing Paves Way for Long-Serving Player’s Exit – Report
The Athletic Reports Everton Defender Mason Holgate May Leave Goodison Park This Summer
An online publication reported on August 2nd that the arrival of Jake O’Brien from Lyon could pave the way for a potential departure from the club.
Long-serving Mason Holgate spent the first half of last season on loan at Southampton before moving to Sheffield United, making 17 appearances across both loan spells.
Mason Holgate to leave Everton this summer
Everton were strong defensively last season, conceding only 51 goals. Only Arsenal, Manchester City, and Liverpool conceded fewer in the Premier League.
The Blues didn’t necessarily need to strengthen their defense this summer, with Jarrad Branthwaite and James Tarkowski forming a formidable partnership.
However, O’Brien’s arrival adds further competition alongside another center-back, Michael Keane.
Holgate was already on the fringes before O’Brien joined and is now even further down the pecking order.
His underwhelming performances on loan last season and only nine appearances for Everton the season prior make a departure seem in everyone’s best interest.
Finding a suitor might be challenging. His poor performances and high wage demands are likely issues, so Everton may need to sell him at a cut-price to ensure he leaves.
The 27-year-old has had ample opportunities to prove his worth at Goodison Park, but it hasn’t worked out.
He should be pushing for a move to kickstart his career, but his high wages might deter interested parties, possibly making him content to stay for the paycheck.
Everton need to find a quick solution, move Holgate on, and see if those funds can be reinvested into the squad or at least help the club become more financially stable.
