It’s a tale as old as Everton’s existence in the Premier League. When big clubs have come knocking, the Toffees have inevitably sold players on. Whether it’s the financial sums that have stabilized the club’s previously tenuous fiscal position or their stars have had their heads turned and compelled their transfers, it’s what has almost always happened.
In the lead-up to the trip to Bournemouth yesterday, news broke that Iliman Ndiaye was edging close to a big-money move to Manchester City, which
was not entirely a surprise. However, it was the next piece of transfer gossip that shook the fanbase to the extent that all manner of protests are being proposed. Apparently not only are Nottingham Forest preparing a £40 million bid for young midfielder and budding star Harrison Armstrong, but Everton have not actually told them to take a hike and are listening to the offer.
After the season he had last year, Ndiaye would have felt aggrieved to have been not used more for Senegal in this summer’s World Cup. His stock continued to climb with a huge offer coming for the wide player from the Saudi league’s Al Hilal. However, the player turned down the offer, saying that he would prefer to remain in the Premier League. It was slight, but many Everton fans caught on to how he said remain in the Premier League, but not remain at Everton specifically.
Since then it’s been a growing parade of rumours with the winger being linked with just about every one of the Sky Six clubs but our Merseyside neighbours. City appear to be the latest suitors having cleared their decks over the transfer window.
Everton have also been linked with a number of wingers this summer so they do appear prepared for that inevitable Ndiaye bid they can’t say no to, or the player chooses to accept personal terms with. Pointedly, when Evertonians sang loudly “Money Can’t Buy You Stones” to Chelsea not that long ago, it was City that Stones eventually went to, but this time it’ll be Tottenham who gazump this deal with the Mancunians turning their attention to Cody Gakpo.
Ndiaye is at the peak of his powers and to some extent it makes sense to cash in, replace his nine goal involvements (three penalties included) with a cheaper player and also reinforce other areas of (desperate) need.. cough cough right back ahem. As of this morning, it looks like he’s heading to Spurs with Richarlison apparently coming back the other way in a separate transfer.
There are few moments that can galvanize a club’s supporters far and wide, young and old and everyone in between. For a club’s leadership, it is beneficial when they are on the right side of those incidents because it strengthens the bonds within the club. Everton as a whole made that statement when the Premier League docked them points a few years ago.
The anarchy that brings down the ruling classes happens when the leaders make decisions that not only alienate supporters but also make everyone doubt the club is headed in the right direction.
Like choosing to sell one of the best Academy prospects we have seen in years, one of Merseyside’s own. Harrison Armstrong moves through middle of the park like a finely tuned Rolls Royce cruising down the motorway. His work rate on and off the ball is exemplary for a 19-year-old, but when the ball is at his feet his head immediately snaps up as he looks to get vertical. The finishing will need to improve, that can be taught, but his uncanny knack for arriving at the right place at the right time cannot.
This then begs the question – why are Everton looking to sell such a bright prospect? It’s Nottingham Forest who have come knocking, not Real Madrid, so it’s not like his head has been turned by the thoughts of playing in the Champions League. He’s surely on low wages, so how about a new contract a bit more commensurate to his ability, but the Scouser can have that at home.
Do Everton need to sell him because there’s a £40m shortfall somewhere? Then why did Angus Kinnear tell us in his trio of press junkets just a week ago that the club was secure financially? What are we missing here? Selling a young star in the making who exemplifies the spirit of the club and is hugely popular just because they can doesn’t make any sense.
This likely means the club had marked on being able to sell more of their current squad but have failed to do so. Beto is apparently headed out to Fiorentina for about £15m, which should the transfer kitty. Adam Aznou could be going to Malaga on loan so that won’t count. Nathan Patterson and Charly Alcatraz remain fringe players but have little open market interest.
From the way Roma and Cannes are run by the Friedkin Group, it appears the family appoints executive leadership and let’s them get on with it. They are not hesitant to react and move, replacing those elements of leadership when success is not forthcoming. However, per club insider Bobble, the Friedkins had sanctioned the sale of Armstrong and the club’s leadership was aghast. It does tell us that the Friedkins are getting involved in the day-to-day which is disturbing.
There’s only a couple of days left in the transfer window, and lots could and will happen. However, it does look like Armstrong’s possible sale has been warded off for now as the club are seeking funds to bring in Richarlison, Jack Grealish and Kenny Tete, none of whom are long term solutions but should improve the club now. Mortgaging away the future for that is never the right decision.
