Amadou Onana, the talented 22-year-old midfielder who joined Everton from LOSC Lille for £34 million in 2022, has firmly quashed any rumors of a possible departure from the club during the upcoming January transfer window, writes the LiverpoolEcho.
Onana has emerged as a pivotal figure under the management of Sean Dyche, earning a regular spot in the starting lineup and featuring in every Premier League match Everton has played this season. His rise to prominence has not gone unnoticed, with Manchester United reportedly showing interest during the summer transfer window. Furthermore, recent developments, such as Sandro Tonali’s 10-month ban for betting on matches, have sparked speculations linking Onana to Newcastle United.
However, Onana has now made his stance clear, as he shared with Belgium publication DH Net via Sport Witness, stating, “I’m not thinking about leaving in January.” The young Belgian midfielder appears committed to his journey at Goodison Park.
Reflecting on his recent experiences and the transition from Lille to Everton, Onana explained, “I grew a lot mentally last season. I always fought for trophies or places of honor. The mindset is different, you have to get used to losing almost every weekend.”
He also acknowledged the immense pressure that came with the responsibility of ensuring Everton’s top-flight status, adding, “The pressure was enormous because there was the weight of the story weighing on our shoulders. I would have blamed myself all my life for a club like that to be in the Championship. We were reminded of it daily, so it didn’t come out of my head.”
While Onana remains focused on his growth, he emphasizes that his future will be determined by his performance on the field. “I’m not thinking about leaving in January,” he reiterated.
Turning his attention to Everton’s current season, Onana pointed out significant progress compared to the previous campaign. “Progress,” he declared, describing the club’s improved start to the season. “Compared to last season, which was complicated from the start. We win the matches we have to win. This is a step forward.”
The young midfielder also noted his own development, highlighting his improved ball control and adaptation to his new position on the left side of the midfield. He stated, “I think I’m cleaner on the ball than last season. We left the pressing aside because we couldn’t find each other on the pitch. Now we’re doing it better. Collectively, we understand each other better.”
Regarding his preferred position on the field, Onana expressed his comfort in the center of the midfield, while also emphasizing his versatility. “I have the defensive and recovery qualities of a 6. I have the percussion of an 8 and the races of a box-to-box. I’m bringing it all together,” he explained. He concluded by underscoring his dedication to contributing to the team’s success in any role, saying, “If I am asked to be a butcher during a match to help the team win, I do it.”
Amadou Onana’s commitment to Everton and his determination to continue making strides on the pitch serve as encouraging signs for the club’s supporters, as they look forward to an exciting future with the talented midfielder in their ranks.