Four top Everton stars set to be sold as bleak report offers worrying financial update for Farhad Moshiri
Everton stars Dominic Calvert-Lewin and Jarrad Branthwaite in conversation
Everton are facing a bleak summer financially with the club likely to have to offload four big-name stars, a report has revealed.
The Toffees are currently 15th in the Premier League, with just six wins from their 28 games played to date. As it stands, they are just two points clear of the relegation zone with a crazy season putting any three of nine sides in danger of the drop.
And while Sean Dyche has overseen a vast improvement since taking over from Frank Lampard at the end of January, they are unable to pull clear of the drop zone. And the Toffees return to action on Monday evening with a match against managerless Tottenham.
Indeed, every point is crucial now for Everton as they scramble to avoid the dreaded drop.
And with the club already in a bleak situation financially, relegation could prove a major hammer blow.
The Toffees were recently struck by financial fair play charges after recording losses of £371.8m over the last three seasons. Everton strenuously deny their guilt and are battling to prove their innocence.
In the worst-case scenario, they could be hit by a points deduction and transfer embargo, although there is no timeline for when the punishment, if any, will be decided upon.
Furthermore, the Toffees are looking to fund a new stadium project at Bramley-Moore Dock, with costs on the build spiralling worrying high. Indeed, these are now estimated to be at £760m – some £200m more than intially expected.
And with 10 games left to spare their Premier League status, relegation would hit Everton extremely hard. A drop-down to the Championship means a loss of revenues would likely cost the club around another £200m.
Onana, Pickford lead Everton exodus
In the event of relegation, Everton would reportedly be forced to sell a number of their top stars. And a report from Football Insider names the first four players likely to leave the Toffees in the event of relegation.
Per the report, they will be forced to listen to offers for their four highest earners. And the exodus will be lead by summer signing Amadou Onana, with the midfielder already in high demand.
He will reportedly be joined out the door by England No 1 Jordan Pickford, who recently signed a new deal at Goodison. That is due to keep him on Merseyside until 2027 and, importantly, that new contract does not contain a relegation-release clause.
However, he will not stick around if the Toffees go down with Manchester United and Tottenham among those reportedly keen.
The pair will be joined out the door by Ben Godfrey and Dominic Calvert-Lewin if they go down this summer.
The duo have struggled with injuries this season, making just nine and 12 appearances, respectively.
Everton star has lost major value since goalscoring peak
Calvert-Lewin, in particular, has been a major loss. At his best, under Carlo Ancelotti, Everton valued the England striker in the £60m bracket. At the time, the likes of Arsenal and Newcastle were reportedly considering bids.
But after two injury-plagued seasons, they will struggle to get even half that amount. The 26-year-old only has one goal to his name from those 12 appearances this season.
And even if they manage to avoid relegation, there’s a fair chance Everton will need to consider at least one major sale.
Dyche is understandably keen to keep all four players. However, the boss understands major sacrifices will be needed in the event they do go down.
Everton have 10 games left to save their status – starting with Spurs.
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