Report: Everton Open to Selling Three First-Team Players, Yet Encounter Obstacles

Hampered by high-profile players locked into long, lucrative contracts, these missteps have brought Everton to the brink, facing penalties from the Premier League for financial mismanagement.

While few dispute these accusations, the scrutiny lies in the severity of the punishments that ensued.

The club faced two separate points deductions in a single season, a situation Kevin Thelwell was determined to avoid repeating.

However, in his efforts to raise funds this summer, he continues to encounter familiar obstacles created by his inept predecessors.

Everton’s Struggle to Offload Three First-Team Players

Journalist Paddy Boyland, writing for The Athletic, sheds light on potential player departures at Everton this summer. Despite successful sales of Ben Godfrey and Lewis Dobbin, several fringe players remain difficult to move.

Boyland details the challenge: “All three are fringe players and could be available if the right offer comes in. However, that offer has not materialized. The issue in many of these cases is that these players are on significantly higher wages than they could command elsewhere.”

“For instance, interest in Michael Keane has surfaced over the past year, but clubs are deterred by the package for a 31-year-old center-back entering the final year of his contract. Mason Holgate, meanwhile, struggled during loan spells at Southampton and Sheffield United last season.”

“Everton might prefer to retain Keane as backup, but every player has a price, especially fringe players.”

Kevin Thelwell’s Imperative to Sell at Least Two

Among these struggling players, two must be moved on this summer. Neal Maupay, signed in 2022, has failed to impress, spending most of last season on loan at Brentford. Mason Holgate has not been a regular starter for three years.

Michael Keane, while not outstanding, has familiarity with Sean Dyche and has performed adequately when called upon. He may not be an ideal option, but he offers more stability than Holgate in defensive roles.

Maupay has scored only one Premier League goal for Everton in two years and has recently hinted at his future. Holgate’s loan spells have highlighted concerns about his consistency and decision-making.

Everton’s Priority: Offloading Unneeded Talent

Neither Maupay nor Holgate fit Everton’s plans moving forward. Selling them, even at a modest price, would be prudent business for Thelwell, easing the wage bill while clearing the squad of surplus players.