Amadou Onana is on his way as he closes in on a transfer to Aston Villa but while Everton might not be getting “value for money” with the £50million fee, it can still be the most-astute piece of business that they do all summer if it keeps the wolves from the door with Jarrad Branthwaite. seem prepared to take a hit on fee as his exit was always by far the most palatable of all their big names and in generating the cash, they can now retain other prize assets or at least demand top dollar for their services rather than having rivals – like we’ve seen so far with Manchester United and – attempt to pull their pants down with a couple of derisory offers. In so many ways, Onana is the most-gifted footballer in the Blues squad, and he possesses an array of the tools in his locker to become a world-class player but he’s never quite been a comfortable fit.
Shortly after his appointment, contacted Onana’s fellow Belgian Steven Defour who played for him at Burnley to give the young man some pointers and the former Claret proclaimed he could “become a real midfield powerhouse.” Indeed, when Manchester United, who maintain a longstanding interest in Onana, were linked with a move for him last August, Goodison Park chiefs believed that over time, their charge could become as good as – or even better – than Moises Caicedo, who had just joined Chelsea for a British record £115million fee. The 22-year-old may still do that, but it was never going to be with this Ever.