According to reports in the Daily Mirror, Everton could be forced to sell players in the January transfer window if the proposed takeover by 777 Partners falls through.
Since it was first announced that Farhad Moshiri had reached agreement to sell the club to the US investment group, there have been serous questions surrounding the ability of 777 to go forward with the deal.
Issues have surfaced over the potential financing of the takeover as well as the past backgrounds of key people in the organisation, prompting concerns that will certainly be scrutinised in more detail over the coming weeks and months by regulators.
Despite a fine win last night that brought the Blues first three points of the season, this proposed takeover has created further uncertainty and a sense of continuing chaos at the club, as if there hasn’t been enough of that in recent times.
Now, it is possible that the Toffees might have to sell some of their best players in the New Year if 777’s takeover is ultimately blocked.
Such a scenario would be a potential disaster if it were to reach that stage, especially if the club couldn’t replace any of those departing players due to lack of finances or time.
And of course, were Everton to end up selling key players it could prove critical in the outcome of the campaign weakening an already thin squad.
That’s because the Toffees have already had a substantial clear-out in the summer window just gone culminating with three players leaving on or just after deadline day.
So, who might be sacrificed if such a situation arises?
According to the Mirror the most likely candidates would be Amadou Onana, Jordan Pickford and possibly also Dominic Calvert-Lewin.
Losing Pickford is surely unthinkable as the England keeper is arguably the Blues single most important player.
His performances and saves in critical games over the last few seasons have been essential in preventing relegation in the last two campaigns.
Onana is another player the club could cash in on.
The Belgian is an enigma who at times looks like the dominant, athletic midfielder the Toffees thought they were getting, while at others he can be hugely frustrating and erratic.
Recently, Onana has been a bit more consistent and played reasonably well in yesterday’s win at Brentford alongside Idrissa Gueye and Abdolaye Doucoure.
I have said before that if Everton received a significant amount for the summer 2022 signing then they should cash in.
There were rumours throughout the summer that Onana was a target for various other Premier League clubs, particularly Chelsea. But, nothing happened and he stayed.
As for Calvert-Lewin he would seem the least likely of the three to be of interest to other clubs.
The former England international centre-forward has spent so much time absent through injury over the last few campaigns that Blues supporters have almost forgotten what he looks like!
He has only recently returned from his latest setback, a facial injury sustained at Aston Villa, and has come in both Everton’s last two matches, scoring yesterday’s third goal.
Given his problems staying fit and healthy, I would be surprised if any other club was prepared to take a punt on the player.All this is just pure speculation of course.
I think if there is any transfer business the Blues do in Janaury it will have to be additions, probably loans, to strengthen the squad for the season run-in rather than involving further sales.
