Onana has piqued the eye of the Premier League’s elite as a result of his rapid rise in the English top flight and his standout performances in a failing Everton club.
Manchester United reportedly approached the Belgian midfielder in the summer (Guardian, 14 August), while Chelsea was also said to be interested (Daily Mail, 16 June).
The Daily Mail reported on 11 July that Everton were under pressure to sell the 22-year-old star, who starred during the 2022/23 season, due to the club’s significant financial constraints, which were exacerbated by the significant funding of their new Bramley-Moor Dock Stadium development and the FFP pressures Everton are under.
No such transfers occurred over the summer, which will have come as a huge relief to manager Sean Dyche, especially given the club’s final business.
However, the Belgian’s latest media statements hint that he may end his tenure in the blue half of Merseyside sooner than planned.
Speaking in September (Le Soir, 5 September), the former LOSC Lille midfielder intimated that he needs to wait before leaving for greener pastures, and that he doesn’t want to make any decisions because he is entirely focused on Everton.
Over a month later, the 22-year-old says he has long wanted to play in the Champions League, and when asked if he could stay at Goodison Park in the long term, he says he doesn’t have a “crystal ball.”
In an interview with La Capitale on October 11th, he stated:
“Two years ago I got the chance to play in the Champions League with Lille,” he added.
“However, it does make me want to compete in these types of competitions again in the future.” It is up to me to work hard and demonstrate on the pitch that I am capable of playing in such contests.”
“At the outset of the season, that was my goal. But, as I previously stated, I don’t have a crystal ball,” he explained.
