Financial Fair Play concerns are not the only reason why Ruben Vinagre’s £17 million option-to-buy clause is destined to go un-triggered at Goodison Park.
Since returning to the Premier League, the former Wolves youngster has played just 24 minutes of top-flight football. His most recent Everton appearance, meanwhile, came in a 1-1 draw with Brentford in late August.
Barring an injury to Vitaliy Mykolenko, or a surprise defensive reshuffle from Sean Dyche, Vinagre will return to parent club Sporting Lisbon having made Per Kroldrup’s impact look like that of Phil Jagielka on the blue side of Stanley Park.
Vinagre is almost certain to depart. Meaning Everton, regardless of which division they find themselves in come June, will be in the market for a new left-sided full-back. Finding one capable of providing genuine competition for Mykolenko, however, may be easier said than done. Especially given the financial pressures holding the Toffees in a vice-like grip.
Difficult, yes, but not impossible.
Everton will need to replace Sporting Lisbon loanee Ruben Vinagre
Everton, according to L’Esportiu, submitted a £17 million bid for Aaron Martin of Espanyol back in 2018; a time in which The Toffees were splashing the cash like Augustus Gloop in the Cadbury’s World giftshop.
Five years on, Martin is destined to become a free-agent. His contract at Mainz is expiring. And, according to Fabrizio Romano, the 25-year-old Spaniard has no interest in signing an extension. Clubs in La Liga, Serie A and the Bundesliga are chasing a bargain deal for a man who has four goals and eight assists in Mainz colours.
It remains to be seen whether Everton’s interest in the former Spain U21 international has stood the test of time. A lot has changed at Goodison Park since that 20 million euro landed on Espanyol’s desk back in 2018.
But, then again, some things also stay the same; the need for a new left-back at Everton, for one.
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