EXCLUSIVE: Atalanta’s £17m bid for Everton Underperforming Player is quite TRICKY given the mixed feelings attached

Everton FC’s Dilemma: To Sell or Not to Sell Beto?

As the summer transfer window heats up, Everton FC finds themselves in a precarious situation regarding the future of their striker, Beto. The 26-year-old Portuguese forward, signed from Udinese last year for a fee potentially rising to £30m, has failed to impress in his first season at Goodison Park. With Atalanta preparing a £17m bid for Beto, Everton must weigh their options carefully.

Contract Uncertainty Surrounding Calvert-Lewin

Dominic Calvert-Lewin’s contract situation adds complexity to the decision. The English striker’s future at Everton is uncertain, with Newcastle United showing interest in signing him. If Calvert-Lewin departs, Everton would be left vulnerable in the striker position, making Beto’s potential sale more problematic.

Journalist Dan Bardell’s Insight

Sky Sports and talkSPORT journalist Dan Bardell shared his thoughts on the situation, stating, “It is difficult to say at the moment because they are so vulnerable with Calvert-Lewin and his contract situation. They’d like to get some money in for him, I would say, rather than losing him on a free.” Bardell believes Everton would find it challenging to turn down the £17m offer from Atalanta, especially if Calvert-Lewin leaves the club.

Beto’s Underwhelming Performance

Beto’s five goals in 37 appearances for Everton last season were a far cry from his impressive performances at Udinese, where he scored 11 and 10 goals respectively in his two seasons. This lackluster return on investment has put his future at Goodison Park in jeopardy.

Atalanta’s Interest and Potential Player Swap

Atalanta’s interest in Beto presents an opportunity for Everton to recoup some of the £30m spent on the striker. Additionally, the Italian club has approached Everton about a potential player swap, further complicating the situation.

Everton’s Dilemma

With less than two weeks until their Premier League opener against Brighton, Everton must make a decision quickly. If they sell Beto, they risk weakening their squad, but if they keep him and Calvert-Lewin leaves, they may be left with an underperforming striker.

The Future of Everton’s Striker Position

The striker position is in flux at Everton, and the club’s hierarchy must navigate this uncertainty carefully. The decision to sell or keep Beto will have significant implications for the team’s performance in the upcoming season.

Conclusion

Everton FC’s dilemma regarding Beto’s future is a complex one, influenced by Calvert-Lewin’s contract uncertainty and Atalanta’s interest in the striker. As the transfer window draws to a close, Everton must make a decision that balances their short-term needs with their long-term goals. Will they sell Beto and risk weakening their squad, or keep him and hope for an improvement in form? Only time will tell.