Former Newcastle United defender Philippe Albert has expressed surprise that Amadou Onana is still contracted to Everton.
There were rumors of Amadou Onana leaving Everton during the recent summer transfer window.
At one point, as The Guardian reported, Manchester United tried to lure the midfielder away from Goodison Park.
However, no deal was agreed and Onana remains a key member of Sean Dyche’s Everton squad.
The 22-year-old has played every minute of the Premier League for the Toffees so far this season, in what has been a difficult start for the Merseysiders.
In a team lacking quality, Onana represents one of Everton’s most valuable assets.
They paid £33m to sign him from Lille in 2022 and the Belgian quickly established himself in the starting XI at Goodison Park last season.
When the time comes for the Toffees to cash in on Onana, they will expect to make a significant profit.
Philippe Albert is surprised that this event has not yet happened.
The retired centre-back and current pundits predict Onana will leave this summer.
As quoted by Belgian publication Voetbal Nieuws, Albert said: “Physically, Amadaou is a monster and technically he also has quality.
I’m surprised no one paid his 85 million euro clause.
When I see Chelsea easily spending money to buy anything, I find it very strange that they don’t buy a player like Onana for less than 100 million euros.
Chelsea have certainly spent a lot this summer, in a transfer window that has seen defensive midfielders traded for higher prices.
The Blues spent £115m on Moises Caicedo from Brighton and a further £58m to recruit Romeo Lavia from relegated Southampton.
Everton may have been expecting a similar fee for Onana, which would help resolve some of the club’s off-field financial problems.
However, this will make them significantly weaker on the field.
Overall, Dyche will be happy to still have the Belgian international playing for 6 teams at his disposal.