According to a report, Everton may have to sell four prominent players due to their precarious financial situation, explains the TeamTalk.
The club is currently in 15th place in the Premier League, with just six victories in 28 games played. They are only two points above the relegation zone, which is highly unpredictable this season, with any three of nine teams being at risk of being relegated. Although Sean Dyche has made significant improvements since taking over from Frank Lampard at the end of January, the team has not been able to pull away from the danger zone. Everton’s next match is against Tottenham, who are currently without a manager, and every point is crucial as they attempt to avoid relegation. If Everton are relegated, it could be a significant financial setback for the club, which is already struggling.
Everton have been hit by financial fair play charges recently, having suffered losses of £371.8m over the past three seasons. However, the club is fighting to prove its innocence, denying any wrongdoing. A worst-case scenario could see Everton facing a points deduction and transfer embargo, but there is no timeline for when the punishment, if any, will be decided. Additionally, the Toffees are grappling with the funding of their Bramley-Moore Dock stadium project, with construction costs now estimated at a worrying £760m, which is £200m more than initially anticipated. With just 10 games remaining to secure their Premier League status, relegation would be a significant blow to Everton, with the club potentially losing around £200m in revenue.
According to a report from Football Insider, if Everton were to face relegation, they would be compelled to sell several of their top players. The report lists the first four players likely to leave the Toffees in the event of relegation. The club will have to consider offers for their top four earners, with summer signing Amadou Onana being the first to depart due to high demand for the midfielder.
England’s No.1 goalkeeper Jordan Pickford, who recently signed a new deal with Everton that does not contain a relegation-release clause, would also be expected to leave if the team is relegated. Manchester United and Tottenham are among the teams reportedly interested in Pickford. Ben Godfrey and Dominic Calvert-Lewin are the other two players who would be forced to leave the club if they were to face relegation this summer. Both players have struggled with injuries this season and made only nine and twelve appearances, respectively.
Calvert-Lewin has been a significant absentee for Everton. During his prime time under Carlo Ancelotti, the club considered the English striker to be worth around £60m, with potential bids from Arsenal and Newcastle. However, after suffering from injuries for two consecutive seasons, they will likely struggle to receive even half that amount. The 26-year-old has only scored one goal from 12 appearances this season. Moreover, even if they manage to avoid relegation, it is highly possible that Everton may have to consider a major sale.