Frank McAvennie has tipped Everton to sell Dominic Calvert-Lewin in the summer to help ease their financial woes.
Dominic Calvert-Lewin’s struggles have coincided with Everton’s this season, as the striker has endured a loss in form amid plenty of injury problems. The 25-year-old has missed a chunk of the season with a toe problem, severely affecting the Toffees. He remains in the minds of several clubs for a transfer in the summer, with Arsenal being tipped to sign the frontman.
Everton have consistently dropped in the Premier League table due to terrible performances, which resulted in the sacking of controversial appointment Rafael Benitez. They have not necessarily improved under new boss, Frank Lampard, as the danger of relegation still looms large.
In addition, they have severe financial problems, including sanctions by the UK government due to the club’s relations with Uzbek-Russian oligarch Alisher Usmanov. The details of the same are not clear, while the Merseysiders have problems with the Financial Fair Play as well.
Considering the financial situation, former West Ham United striker turned pundit Frank McAvennie has tipped Everton to sell some of their important players in the summer to raise funds. He has told Football Insider that chief among them is Dominic Calvert-Lewin, who could attract significant interest from clubs in the next window, with the Toffees already thinking of replacements for the England star.
McAvennie said, “He’s had a season that’s a bit like Everton’s; I don’t think he’s been able to show his best stuff. He was brilliant last season, and that’s when he got everyone’s attention. All of the talk at Everton is about the money and how much they might lose in the summer.”
“Even if they stay up, you have to look at selling a few players to ease that burden. Calvert-Lewin is someone who will be in demand if he’s available. All the top clubs will be interested. He has to be one of the most, if not the most valuable player they have so I would be shocked if he’s there next season.”
Everton hope to survive the drop from the Premier League this term after securing a narrow yet dramatic victory over Newcastle United in their last outing. However, they suffered a terrible loss to Crystal Palace in the FA Cup, which attracted criticism.
Their financial troubles may indeed catch them cold, for which they have to find solutions and be on par with FFP rules. As McAvennie suggested, they may have to sell some of their prized assets, including Calvert-Lewin, to balance the books, irrespective of their top-tier status after the season ends.