Everton ‘can’t escape’ from selling two star players – ‘it’s tragic’, says Keith Wyness
Everton’s former chief Keith Wyness has insisted the club “can’t escape” from the reality of selling both Jarrad Branthwaite and Amadou Onana this summer.
Speaking on the new edition of Football Insider’s Inside Track podcast, the 66-year-old – who served as CEO at Goodison Park between 2004 and 2009 and now runs a football consultancy advising elite clubs – insisted his old side won’t be forced to accept “lowball” offers as there is likely to be enough interest from quality clubs to spark an auction.
Everton were deducted two more points earlier this week (8 April) for breaching spending rules for the 2022-23 campaign.
The Toffees reported losses of £89.1million for last season – and could face a third deduction next term, with the Premier League in a dispute with the club over interest payments.
Clubs can only lose a maximum of £105million over a three-season period before receiving sanctions – and Everton have been docked eight points in the 2023-24 campaign.
Everton ‘can’t escape’ from Onana and Branthwaite exits – but won’t be lowballed, says Wyness
Branthwaite and Onana are among the top performers at Goodison Park and have been widely linked with potential moves this summer.
Wyness told Football Insider‘s Insider Track podcast: “There seems to be no doubt at all about Everton selling players this summer.
“Otherwise, we’re just going to be in a spiral of getting fined and docked points every season.
“We can’t escape from where the numbers sit at the moment.
“I think there’ll have to be two big sales for something close to £100million to get us back to some sort of operating situation.
“Branthwaite and Onana seem like they will be the ones to go.
“That’s where the value will be. It’s a shame it has come to this, but that’s what Everton have to do.
“I’ve done over 200 transfers, and whenever you’ve got a real auction – clubs can’t lowball you.
“I think there will be enough interest from quality clubs that there won’t be a fire sale, and Everton will get reasonably good value from the two players.
“They’re at the right age and both international players. What it does to the squad will be tragic, but let’s hope we find more gems going forward.”
In other news, ‘Premier League wanted to impose five-point deduction’ – new Everton details emerge.
For more Everton news, follow us on Facebook or join our brand new WhatsApp Channel for instant updates to be sent straight to your phone.