Goodison View: Everton ace surely set for January exit after comments made this week
Amadou Onana January exit surely on the cards at Everton after recent comments
It was always certain that Amadou Onana would have started this season as a part of first-team squad at Everton amid plenty of reported summer interest.
Manchester United were said to have made an approach (Guardian, 14 August), while Chelsea were also credited with an interest (Daily Mail, 16 June) in the Belgium midfielder.
Throw in the fact that the Toffees’ precarious financial position meant that any realistic bid for their players probably would have been considered, then it is easy to see a situation where Onana – only 22 years old – could have been sold.
It is even easier to foresee such a scenario now. In an interview with Belgian publication La Capitale (11 October), Onana admitted he harbours ambitions to once again play in the Champions League having done so with Lille.
“Two years ago I got the chance to play in the Champions League with Lille,” he said.
“But it does indeed make me want to play in these types of competitions again in the future. It is up to me to work and show on the field that I can also play in such matches.”
In the same interview, Onana did not exactly commit to the Toffees long term when asked if he would see out the season at Everton.
“That was my goal at the start of the season. But like I said, I don’t have a crystal ball,” he said.
“I am not able to tell you what will happen in the future. For the moment, I remain 10 per cent focused on my performance on the pitch. This is what will determine my future and that of the club.”
Even if 777 Partners do get the green light to complete what has been a contentious takeover of the club, it is likely that some funds will need to be raised to balance the books or raise cash for player signings.
Onana, given his age and potential, looks like a player who fits the bill for a sale. And judging by what he has said, that sale could definitely come as soon as January.
