Everton FC is facing a tumultuous start to the season, with two consecutive heavy defeats to Brighton and Tottenham leaving them at the bottom of the Premier League table. The team’s struggles have been compounded by the recent departure of key players, including Amadou Onana, Lewis Dobbin, and Ben Godfrey.
Despite efforts to bolster the squad with new signings, including Iliman Ndiaye, Jesper Lindstrom, Jake O’Brien, and Tim Iroegbunam, the team’s woes continue. The £50 million sale of Onana has left a significant gap in midfield, and the absence of Dobbin and Godfrey has further depleted the team’s resources.
In light of these challenges, the potential departure of another first-team player, Neal Maupay, could prove disastrous. Maupay, a £15 million signing in 2022, has failed to settle in Merseyside and has been linked with a move away from the club. According to reports from France, Maupay has agreed to personal terms with Olympique Marseille, who are keen to secure his signature.
While Maupay’s departure may not come as a surprise, given his struggles to adapt to life at Everton, it could still have significant implications for the team. With Dominic Calvert-Lewin, Beto, and Ndiaye already vying for spots up front, Maupay’s exit would further reduce the team’s attacking options.
Moreover, the sale of Maupay could be crucial in generating much-needed funds for the club. Manager Sean Dyche has admitted that Everton has “no money” to spend in the final days of the transfer window, making the sale of Maupay a top priority. By offloading the French striker, the club may be able to clear some wages and generate enough financial flexibility to make some late additions to the squad.
However, the deal is complicated, with Brentford also expressing interest in Maupay’s signature. The Bees took Maupay on loan last season, and it remains to be seen whether they will rival Marseille’s offer.
As the transfer window draws to a close, Everton faces a critical period. The sale of Maupay could be a pivotal moment in the club’s season, and fans will be watching with bated breath to see how events unfold. Will the Toffees be able to secure a decent fee for the wantaway striker, or will his departure leave a further hole in the squad? Only time will tell.