Everton sold Amadou Onana to Aston Villa in the summer transfer window not purely for financial reasons but because they no longer wanted him at the club, according to former Toffees star Kevin Mirallas.
Onana, 23, left Goodison Park after two years to join Premier League rivals Aston Villa in a £50 million deal ahead of the 2024-25 season, as reported by The Times.
While many assumed Everton cashed in on the Belgian international to alleviate financial pressures, Mirallas claims the club was content to part ways.
Speaking to La Capitale, Mirallas made a bold assertion:
“He must not forget that Everton put him on the transfer market because they didn’t want him anymore.
“I still have a lot of connections at the club and I can say that he is a player they no longer wanted and they were very happy to have sold him at such a high price.”
Mirallas Questions Onana’s Move and Performances
Mirallas shared his thoughts after being left unimpressed by Onana’s performances for the Belgian national team.
However, many find it hard to believe Everton sold the midfielder for anything other than financial reasons.
Onana was a key figure for Sean Dyche’s side last season, making 37 appearances in all competitions and contributing three goals and an assist.
His departure has undoubtedly left a significant void in Everton’s midfield, with the club now sitting precariously in 16th place, just three points above the relegation zone.
In stark contrast, Villa have thrived this season, sitting just one point off third in the league and impressing in Europe with three wins from four Champions League matches.
Everton’s Attempt to Replace Onana
To address Onana’s exit, Everton brought in Tim Iroegbunam from Aston Villa in a separate transfer.
The 21-year-old started the season brightly, featuring in Everton’s first four league games, but has since been sidelined by injury, further compounding the club’s struggles.
Onana’s sale, whether for financial reasons or otherwise, has left Everton facing a tough challenge to secure their Premier League survival this season.