Sport nation£100,000-a-week Everton Star May Be Sold in “Sacrifice” to Keep Branthwaite
Everton are reportedly considering a shock move to sell Amadou Onana, a key player in Sean Dyche’s squad, in order to keep hold of Jarrad Branthwaite. The Toffees are facing a crucial summer transfer window, with several players linked with moves away from Goodison Park. And according to Football Insider, Onana could be the sacrificial lamb in Everton’s bid to retain Branthwaite’s services.
The 22-year-old midfielder has been an integral part of Dyche’s team this season, appearing in 29 of Everton’s 37 Premier League games. His impressive performances have earned him a reputation as a “monster duel-winner,” with Raj Chohan praising his ability to win the ball back. However, with Manchester United and Bayern Munich circling, Everton may be forced to make a difficult decision.
Branthwaite, on the other hand, has been a revelation at the heart of Everton’s defense. The 21-year-old has formed a formidable partnership with James Tarkowski, and his aerial ability has been a crucial asset for the Toffees. His impressive displays have even earned him a spot in England’s Euro 2024 squad, and Everton are keen to keep him at the club.
The situation is complicated by Everton’s financial situation. The Toffees are facing a potential breach of Premier League financial rules, and may need to sell players to avoid sanctions. Onana’s £100,000-a-week wages make him a prime candidate for sale, especially with Bayern Munich reportedly interested in his services.
While losing Onana would be a blow to Everton’s midfield, retaining Branthwaite’s services could be a shrewd move. The young defender has already established himself as a key player, and his partnership with Tarkowski is crucial to Everton’s success. Moreover, Branthwaite’s homegrown status and age make him a more attractive asset for the long-term.
Everton’s decision to prioritize Branthwaite over Onana may also be influenced by the former’s impressive displays this season. Branthwaite has won an average of 2.8 aerial duels per game in the league, and his goal against Liverpool last month showcased his attacking prowess. His ability to score goals and win headers makes him a valuable asset for Everton’s defense.
In contrast, Onana’s form has dipped in recent months. While he remains a talented player, his lack of consistency and injury issues have limited his impact on the team. Everton may feel that Branthwaite’s consistency and potential for growth make him a more valuable asset for the long-term.
The potential sale of Onana would also have implications for Everton’s squad dynamics. The midfielder has been a key player in Dyche’s team, and his departure would leave a significant void in the midfield. However, Everton have a talented academy star in Jenson Metcalfe, who could potentially fill the gap left by Onana’s departure.
Metcalfe has already impressed in his cameo appearances for Everton, and his ability to control the tempo of the game makes him an attractive option for Dyche. With Onana potentially leaving, Metcalfe could be given more opportunities to shine, and his development could be accelerated as a result.
In conclusion, Everton’s decision to prioritize Branthwaite over Onana is a complex one, influenced by a range of factors. While losing Onana would be a blow to the team, retaining Branthwaite’s services could be a shrewd move for the long-term. With Metcalfe waiting in the wings, Everton may feel that they have a ready-made replacement for Onana, and can afford to let him leave.
Ultimately, the decision will depend on Everton’s priorities for the summer transfer window. If they are willing to sacrifice Onana to keep Branthwaite, it could be a sign of their commitment to building a strong defense. However, if they choose to keep Onana and let Branthwaite leave, it could be a sign of their desire to strengthen their midfield. Either way, the decision will have significant implications for Everton’s squad dynamics and their chances of success next season.
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