Barcelona are reportedly willing to offer Everton a choice of up to four players in exchange for the sought-after Everton midfielder Amadou Onana.
Onana, along with the highly-regarded defender Jarrad Branthwaite, are considered one of the key assets Everton might sell for a significant sum this summer as a means to mitigate their financial woes.
Everton, under Sean Dyche, faced a severe 10-point deduction for violating Profit and Sustainability Rules, which was later reduced to six points after an appeal. This penalty, combined with a four-point deduction for Nottingham Forest due to their financial missteps, has temporarily secured Everton’s position in 16th place in the league. They hold a slender four-point advantage over Nottingham Forest, with an additional game yet to be played.
Given this precarious standing, Everton are dangerously close to facing their first relegation from the Premier League. This situation could compel the club to consider lower-than-desired bids for their most sought-after players.
If Everton were to be relegated to the Championship, it is anticipated that 22-year-old midfielder Amadou Onana would depart, despite his contract running until 2027. Everton is reportedly seeking around £80 million for him, despite their challenging circumstances.
Barcelona, facing their own financial uncertainties, find Onana’s asking price beyond their reach. However, as reported by Sport and relayed by TEAMtalk, Barcelona might propose a deal that includes offering several players who are currently out of favor at the club.
Sergino Dest, Clement Lenglet, and Ansu Fati, all of whom are on loan at other clubs, along with Fermin Lopez, could be part of the proposal to Everton.
These players, particularly Fati, who was once considered the next big star after Lionel Messi, have not solidified their places in Barcelona’s future plans. Fati has struggled with injuries, impacting his development and limiting his appearances for Brighton & Hove Albion, where he is currently on loan.
Lenglet is experiencing his second loan stint in the English Premier League with Aston Villa. Despite a slow start where he did not feature until mid-December, he has been a regular starter in Aston Villa’s lineup for their recent Premier League matches.
Sergino Dest, who struggled to make an impact during a loan at AC Milan, has found form back in his homeland with PSV Eindhoven, contributing two goals and six assists across 33 matches.
However, Barcelona’s plans to include Dest in a potential deal for Onana might hit a snag, as PSV has the option to acquire the American defender permanently after the season concludes.
Meanwhile, 20-year-old midfielder Fermin Lopez is starting to leave his mark on Barcelona’s first team, having scored in his last two outings against Napoli and Atletico Madrid. Yet, his ascent could be hindered by Onana’s arrival or that of another key midfielder this summer, potentially altering the team’s dynamics.
The onus is on Barcelona and Everton to finalize any potential agreement. Onana, attracted by the opportunity to join the current Spanish champions, considers Barcelona among his top choices for a move.
Nonetheless, the ex-Lille midfielder remains open to exploring offers from other clubs, with Arsenal and Manchester United also reportedly in the mix for his signature.