Kevin Thelwell has shared a concerning Everton transfer admission ahead of the summer window opening in June.
Off-the-field matters have once again taken centre stage, with 777 Partners’ takeover seemingly in tatters after an eight-month back and forth with the Premier League.
Right now, the Miami-based firm taking control feels extremely unlikely, which has led Fahad Moshiri to seek new options as the threat of administration draws ever closer.
There has been talk of Everton being forced to sell some of their key assets; Jordan Pickford’s future has recently come under the microscope.
What Kevin Thelwell has just said isn’t good news for Evertonians
Writing in an open letter to the fan base, Everton’s director of football has shared concerning news regarding the possibility of player sales this summer.
He wrote (Everton’s official website): “It is also important that I am completely candid with you. The reality is, given the regulations in place and the club’s current financial position, we have to trade well. Working within such tight financial parameters makes the job extremely difficult. Whilst we want to ensure the team is as competitive as possible, we cannot lose sight of our central objective to protect the long-term stability of the club.”
The former Wolverhampton Wanderers chief went on to suggest that players will be sold due to the club’s off-the-field situation.
He added: “That does mean players will be sold, and also that every tool at our disposal will be used to secure new additions to the squad, including utilisation of the loan market. Both Sean and I understand the responsibility we have, and that is a responsibility that has to be our priority. That may not be exciting to hear, but under our current circumstances, it is the right thing for Everton.”
Evertonians could be about to see the last of Jarrad Branthwaite
There are three main candidates that could be sold to raise funds. Along with Pickford, Jarrad Branthwaite and Amadou Onana are the club’s most significant assets.
Branthwaite has been a standout performer this season and was extremely unlucky not to be named as a nominee for the Premier League’s Young Player of the Year. Unsurprisingly, the 21-year-old has already been tipped to leave Goodison Park this summer, with Everton reportedly valuing the Cumbrian-born defender in the region of £75million.
Given Thelwell’s latest revelation, if Everton receive anywhere near that figure, Branthwaite will likely be sold. It’s a similar story of Onana, who has consistently been linked with a move away.
The Belgian hasn’t been at his best this season but could still sold for a healthy fee, given his age and potential ceiling.
It is hardly ideal news to hit Goodison Park ahead of the summer window.