“Rumor Has It…” – Ex-Everton Chief Suggests Dyche Could Sign £150,000-a-Week Player to Replace Onana
Everton could replace Amadou Onana with a £150,000-a-week player during the summer transfer window, according to former Blues CEO Keith Wyness.
Everton Transfer News
Sean Dyche could be relatively pleased with Everton’s summer transfer business so far, with additions like Iliman Ndiaye and Tim Iroegbunam coming in. However, more signings are arguably needed as the Merseysiders aim to avoid a fourth consecutive relegation battle.
Palmeiras midfielder Richard Rios has been linked with a move to Everton, though Leicester City reportedly leads the race for the 24-year-old. Rios, who has earned 13 caps for Colombia and scored twice, shows significant potential.
Additionally, Napoli and Denmark’s Jesper Lindstrom has been tipped to join Everton, with reports suggesting a loan-to-buy deal for the winger. Lindstrom only made two league starts in Serie A last season, indicating he might welcome a fresh challenge.
Kalvin Phillips has also been mentioned as a possible target for Everton. Phillips is looking to revive his career following disappointing stints at Manchester City and West Ham.
Everton Backed to Sign £150,000-a-week Midfielder
Former Everton CEO Keith Wyness, speaking to Football Insider, claimed that Everton could target Kalvin Phillips as Onana’s replacement this summer, with Onana potentially moving to Aston Villa in a £50m transfer.
“The whisper is they will move for Kalvin Phillips, who Everton have been linked with before. That would bring great experience into the midfield. He’s not quite the Onana-type player, but he’s similar and would certainly provide a lot of experience and steel in the midfield.
“That’s something we were perhaps missing a little bit last year. I think Sean will go for experience, someone like Phillips, and that’s something we’ll have to keep an eye on.”
Signing the £150,000-a-week Phillips carries a clear risk, considering his struggles in recent years, which have cost him his place in England’s squad. However, at 28, Phillips might need the right club to settle. Pep Guardiola has previously described him as “exceptional,” and Declan Rice has praised him, saying:
“He’s one of the best professionals I’ve ever seen, if I’m honest with you. I’ve seen players who don’t play and throw their toys out of the pram completely. With Kal, every time he comes back here, he puts on a shirt and gives 110 percent.”
If Dyche believes he can bring out Phillips’ best, the midfielder could be a valuable addition. Given his age, there’s no reason Phillips cannot return to the form he displayed at Leeds United, which earned him his move to Manchester City in the first place.
