With most international transfer deals usually not going through until July 1st, the next few days could prove very interesting in the Premier League transfer window, particularly for Everton.
Unlike most clubs, the Toffees cannot simply spend their money how they would wish this summer, with Financial Fair Play and the Premier League’s own rules limiting what they can do in the market.
The Blues are working on a sell before they can buy basis once again, similar to the situation they found themselves in last year.
That time around, they were unable to secure any major exits and thus spent just £1.5m on incomings, something which, among other things, led to their desperate fight against relegation.
There is a desire inside Goodison Park to avoid that situation happening again at all costs, and so a major sale to help balance the books is on the cards. If they can secure that before July 1st and thus register the incoming on last year’s books, all the better.
It means the focus will be on potential departures from Goodison Park and the money they could raise before any potential incomings.
At this moment in time, Richarlison is likely to be the first major exit, with reports in England making it clear that Tottenham are advancing in negotiations for the Brazilian.
A £60m deal appears to be on the cards, and that has been backed up by reports in Europe and Brazil throughout this month.
Initial reports claimed Richarlison had held ‘advanced negotiations’ with Tottenham over a move, with it later explained he’d prefer to sign for Tottenham or Chelsea this summer and had already turned down Arsenal.
That was followed by claims on the 23rd that Tottenham would be launching a bid sooner rather than later, and information from Brazil then had them rushing to close a £60m deal ‘this week’.
That has been backed up by the subsequent media reports from England and reports in Brazil have since made it clear he’s undergone a medical in his homeland and things could be wrapped up imminently.
That £60m, if Everton can record it on their books as that high, should help to alleviate some of the financial problems at Goodison Park but is unlikely to be enough to balance things entirely.
Such has been the waste during Farhad Moshiri’s reign that it will take more than the Brazilian’s departure, even for such a lofty sum, which is where Moise Kean may enter the picture.
The Italian striker returned to Juventus on a two-year loan deal last summer, with the Serie A giants paying €3m for the first year and €4m for the second year. The deal also includes a €28m compulsory purchase clause for the end of his second season.
Juventus, though, no longer view Kean as they once did. A meagre return of six goals and three assists in 42 games last season has dampened the feeling about the striker, and they would now be happy to move him on.
Reports in Italy have made it clear they would prefer to negotiate their deal with Everton to find a way out of paying that €28m sum next season.
This is something Kean is aware of, and at the beginning of the month, it was made clear that his agents are ‘hard at work’ to find Kean a new club.
That was followed by reports of ongoing negotiations with Everton over the loan deal but the Toffees are are playing hardball and refusing to give ‘discounts’ on the striker.
They know the deal they have with Juventus is a solid one and see no reason to change it when they are guaranteed €28m next summer.
They could also receive that fee if Juventus sell this summer instead and, such is their financial situation, aren’t passing on the second year loan fee either.
Juventus, then, need to find a new home for Kean this summer. Their idea is to pay the fees they owe Everton and then quickly move the Italian on so they can spend the money elsewhere.
A swap deal with Paris Saint Germain for midfielder Leandro Paredes has been mooted. That would see both players valued at €30m but requires Everton to lower their demands, something they’re so far refusing to do.
Alongside a return to Paris, Kean is likely to have other options on the table. Aston Villa have been named as suitors, while West Ham also have him on their list. Premier League newcomers Fulham and Nottingham Forest have made advances, but Kean is not interested in either.
There are other players in the squad who may leave Goodison Park. Allan is in the final year of his deal and could reunite with Maurizio Sarri at Lazio. He’s the ‘much easier’ option on their list of targets, and a cut-price deal has been suggested.
Yerry Mina’s current deal at Everton is also due to expire in 2023 and he is likely to be moved on as a result.
He was ‘officially’ put on the transfer market earlier this month, with Everton initially requesting €15m for him, but there is a feeling that is a price which can be brought down, though.
Mina is keen on a move but has no intention of creating any sort of problems at Goodison Park, as he simply wants to be playing football regularly after another injury-hit campaign. He has been linked with clubs in Italy, but none are yet to make advances.
The same can be said of Andre Gomes, who is another Everton would move on for the right price. He has been linked with Roma, who see him as a replacement for Jordan Veretout.
Everton value him at €20m, but, as with Allan and Mina, that price is likely to be negotiable.
Indeed, such is the financial situation at Goodison Park; it is likely they will be more prone to lower demands on potential exits than they would publicly admit to.
The Toffees need to bring in funds to balance the books, and while a big sale for Richarlison will help alleviate the tension considerably, more money will need to be found.
That does not mean Everton will take whatever is offered to them, as they have shown in talks with Juventus over Kean, but they will also not cut off their nose to spite their faces either.
If offers are made for the likes of Allan, Mina and Gomes, and Juventus can work out a tempting offer for Kean, they will be taken gladly so the funds can be reinvested.
