Journalist Paul Joyce of The Times has named Fabian Delph and James Rodriguez as the two players he believes are most likely to leave Everton this summer.
Hinging on whether suitors can be attracted for the duo, Joyce discussed around comments made by Rafa Benitez in his unveiling press conference in which he alluded to the idea that big earners may have to be trimmed from the squad.
Benitez’ comments came in light of a need for Everton to reduce its expenditure with a view to avoiding a breach of profit and sustainability rules.
As quoted by The Times, Benitez said:
“Everybody knows that this club has spent a lot of money in the last few years. That means that financial fair play is there, so you have to respect the rules and you have to manage in the best way possible.
“If you have players with big salaries that normally aren’t playing, then you want to find a solution and this solution will mean you have money to spend on new players.”
Rodriguez has been linked with a move to Italian side AC Milan, although the club looks close to finalising a deal for CSKA Moscow and ex-Everton playmaker Nikola Vlasic – leaving a potential place for Rodriguez in doubt.
Equally, 31-year-old utility man Delph has struggled to justify his place in the squad since his 2019 move from Manchester City, struggling to regularly break into starting XIs.
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Offloading both players makes sense for the club, both from a financial and a sporting perspective.
Rodriguez has been rumoured to be unsettled following the departure of Carlo Ancelotti, whilst Delph has offered little in the way of a meaningful contribution in an Everton shirt.
Raising even a nominal fee and shaving their wages off could free up vital funds to reshape the squad in Benitez’ image, whilst assisting in meeting financial regulations.
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