What Happened to the 10 Players Who Departed Everton in Summer 2024 – £50M Transfer, Fan Backlash, and Moves That Didn’t Go to Plan
When it comes to transfer windows, the spotlight is usually fixed on new signings, but the players who leave can often be just as impactful in shaping a club’s future. For Everton, the summer of 2024 brought a significant amount of turnover, not just as part of squad evolution but also due to the financial constraints surrounding Profit and Sustainability Rules (PSR).
At that point, Everton found themselves under considerable pressure to raise funds, making it likely that at least one major sale would occur, along with several squad outgoings to trim the wage bill and reshape the team. A year on, with another transfer window approaching, it’s worth taking a look at how the 10 players who exited Goodison Park fared in their respective new chapters.
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1. Amadou Onana – Aston Villa (£50M Transfer)
The headline departure of the summer, Amadou Onana, was sold to Aston Villa for an estimated £50 million, a deal that alleviated some of Everton’s financial strain. The Belgian midfielder started his new chapter brightly at Villa Park, showcasing the dynamism and physicality that had made him a fan favorite on Merseyside.
However, a combination of inconsistent performances and injury setbacks disrupted his momentum. Villa, meanwhile, endured a bittersweet campaign — they narrowly missed out on a Champions League spot, lost the FA Cup Final, and were eliminated in the Champions League quarter-finals by Paris Saint-Germain.
Despite the highs and lows, Onana still managed to tally 34 appearances and five goals across all competitions. Interestingly, recent speculation has linked him with a move to the Saudi Pro League, a transfer that could bring Everton further income through a sell-on clause.
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2. Ben Godfrey – Atalanta
Godfrey’s transfer to Atalanta, fresh off their Europa League triumph, looked promising on paper. But reality proved harsher than expected. Within weeks of his arrival in Italy, reports surfaced suggesting the move had gone sour. Godfrey made just one appearance in Serie A before being loaned to Ipswich Town in January.
Things didn’t improve much in England. At Portman Road, he managed only three Premier League appearances, and Ipswich were relegated. With Gian Piero Gasperini leaving Atalanta, Godfrey will be returning to Bergamo, likely hoping a new manager can revive his stalled career.
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3. Neal Maupay – Marseille
Striker Neal Maupay, who left Everton on loan with an obligation for Marseille to make the deal permanent, experienced another turbulent season. Known for his outspoken nature, Maupay frequently made comments critical of his time at Everton throughout the campaign.
On the pitch, however, his return to France was underwhelming. Despite Marseille finishing second in Ligue 1 behind PSG and securing Champions League qualification, Maupay only managed four goals in 13 league starts. His situation worsened when Nice fans directed abuse at him during a return fixture.
As of now, Maupay’s future remains uncertain, with Championship clubs reportedly expressing interest in bringing him back to England.
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4. Lewis Dobbin – Aston Villa
Young winger Lewis Dobbin made a surprising move to Aston Villa, given the intense competition for places in Unai Emery’s squad. As expected, Dobbin didn’t break into the first team and was sent out on loan — first to West Bromwich Albion, where he struggled in 17 appearances, and then to Norwich City in January.
His spell at Carrow Road proved more fruitful, as Dobbin scored two goals in 10 matches. With game time now a priority, Dobbin is expected to either leave on loan again or seek a permanent move this summer in pursuit of regular minutes.
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5. Andy Lonergan – Contract Expired
Veteran goalkeeper Andy Lonergan left Everton when his contract expired and signed a one-year deal with Wigan Athletic, fulfilling a dual role as both a player and coach. The 41-year-old provided experience and mentorship at The Latics, but his time there ended at the conclusion of the 2024–25 season, as the club opted for a younger goalkeeping setup.
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6. Mason Holgate – West Bromwich Albion (Loan)
Holgate rejoined West Brom for a second stint on loan, featuring regularly with 26 appearances. Now 28, Holgate is out of contract at Everton, marking the end of a long stay that began with high promise. Given his hefty contract signed in 2020, many expect he’ll look for a fresh start, likely as a free agent this summer.
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7. Billy Crellin – Accrington Stanley (Loan)
Goalkeeper Billy Crellin had a busy season with Accrington Stanley, making 34 appearances as the club narrowly avoided relegation from League Two. With his Everton contract nearing its end, the 24-year-old is at a crossroads. Though the Toffees hold an option to extend his deal, Crellin may seek more secure first-team football elsewhere.
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8. Harry Tyrer – Blackpool (Loan)
Young keeper Harry Tyrer endured a rocky start to his loan at Blackpool, but ended the season as the club’s first-choice goalkeeper. He played 38 league matches, helping The Seasiders finish ninth in League One. With Jordan Pickford’s backups Joao Virginia and Asmir Begovic both gone, Tyrer could find himself promoted at Goodison — though he’s also hinted at wanting to return to Blackpool for more consistent game time.
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9. André Gomes – Contract Expired
Once a fan favorite, André Gomes returned to Lille on a free transfer after his Everton contract wasn’t renewed. Unfortunately, his second stint in France was marred by injury and inconsistency. The Portuguese midfielder started just 16 Ligue 1 matches, failed to record any goals or assists, and ended his season prematurely due to a back injury in May. Now 31, his top-level playing days may be behind him.
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10. Dele Alli – Contract Expired
Following a challenging few years, Dele Alli’s Everton contract expired, but the club allowed him to continue training in hopes of rebuilding his fitness. Despite occasional whispers of a new contract, nothing materialised.
In January 2025, he signed with Como, the ambitious Italian side owned by Cesc Fàbregas. Dele made his long-awaited competitive return in March, coming off the bench, but was swiftly sent off for a reckless tackle against AC Milan. Since then, he hasn’t featured again. He remains under contract with Como until 2026, but his future in football remains uncertain.
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As Everton look to reshape their squad in the upcoming window, the varied fates of these 10 former players serve as a reminder: for every high-profile transfer, there’s a risk — whether in search of minutes, silverware, or a fresh start. The Toffees will be hoping that this summer’s decisions, both incoming and outgoing, are better aligned with long-term success.