When his Everton deal for a one-goal rocket failed, Sean Dyche avoided a £30 million bullet.

Even with their extreme budgetary constraints, Everton has had to make purchases in order to survive.

Ultimately, they had just emerged from their second consecutive relegation struggle and had had to offload both Richarlison and Anthony Gordon in consecutive windows to make ends meet last summer.

Even though players like Beto were brought in on significantly deferred transfer fees, it made sense to enter the market given the declining salary bill and the apparent balancing of the situation.

However, Wilfried Gnonto’s story was one that carried on for the duration of that timeframe.

In retrospect, though, this failure may have been a significant bullet avoided considering the financial danger they were later thrust into and his recent performances.

Did Everton nearly sign Wilfried Gnonto?

Although the diminutive speedster shone last term, in what was his first in the country, the £30m price tag eventually touted for his services would have represented a huge fee for a side that had just been relegated.

But, as they remained interested, it seemed like a figure the Toffees and Sean Dyche may well have paid for the man dubbed a ‘pocket rocket’ by pundit Tam McManus.

Whilst they eventually would not, thankfully, it is hard not to feel aggrieved given how catastrophic that deal might actually have been had it gone through.

Everton’s 52-year-old boss would later offer his thoughts on the failed transfer, seeking to play down the scale of their interest: ‘We weren’t close enough to any situation. The truth is that certain parameters and guidelines is where we are at. The club is not where it was two or three years ago, that is apparent.’

Wilfried Gnonto’s current playing status?

Since he was reportedly detained at Elland Road against his choice, the Italy international’s opportunities have undoubtedly been significantly reduced.

Daniel Farke has not been so tolerant of the former mainstay under the previous administration, when Jesse Marsch had placed him on a pedestal as the one bright light despite dropping to the bottom.

It’s important to note that he has Crysencio Summerville’s skills on his preferred left side.

In any case, the 20-year-old would not have predicted this kind of development, especially after having such a fantastic debut year in England where he recorded eight goal contributions across all competitions.

But in 23 games overall this season, he has managed just seven Championship starts and one pitiful goal.

Given his form, it’s possible that Everton’s unwillingness to sell for such a large sum of money—which would have undoubtedly left them severely impacted by profit and sustainability regulations—has ended up being a godsend.

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