Everton: 5 players Everton could offload to free up £9.4 million in wages
2. Cenk Tosun
Cenk Tosun will become a free agent in the summer as he is into the final six months of his Everton deal. The Turk has misfired and failed to live up to expectations. Furthermore, injuries hampered his career in England. Loan moves couldn’t bring his career back on track and it finally seems that separation is imminent.
Tosun has always been admired in Turkey. Besiktas, his former employers, have always left the door open to a return and would welcome him with open arms. There have been various reports stating Besiktas’ desire to sign Tosun in January. One report stated that the Turkish giants wanted a discount on Everton’s asking price for £2.5 million.
Another publication stated that Kara Kartallar would take him on a six month loan, covering Tosun’s wages and once his Everton contract expires, Tosun and Besiktas would sit down to discuss a long term contract. However, in such a deal, the Toffees wouldn’t receive any loan fee.
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Tosun is surplus to requirements and has been barely used by Rafa Benitez. Even in the absence of Richarlison and Dominic Calvert-Lewin, Benitez has preferred Salomon Rondon. Youngsters Lewis Dobbin and Ellis Simms have also had chances ahead of Tosun, indicating that the 30 year old is not in contention to even fight for backup positions.
As per Salary Sport, Tosun earns £69,000 per week in wages, which translates to £3.58 million in annual salary. If the Royal Blues can strike a deal with Besiktas and send the fringe striker to Vodafone Arena, they may end up saving £1.79 million in half season wages.
However, there have been indications that Tosun would want to remain at the club for the final six months which sends a cryptic message because the Turk is unlikely to get any playing time.