La Liga giants Sevilla could be forced to offload some of their high-value players this summer despite their astonishing on-field success last season, according to Spanish media outlet Marca.
Following a disastrous run of form at the start of last season, Jose Luis Mendilibar rescued Los Nervionenses from the jaws of relegation and guided them to a mid-table finish.
However, Sevilla’s remarkable turnaround under Mendilibar did not end there, as the Spanish giants also finished the topsy-turvy campaign with the Europa League trophy in their coffers.
Sevilla defeated AS Roma in Budapest to win their seventh title in the competition, consolidating their position as the most successful club in Europe’s second-tier tournament.
Their Europa League success also ensured they will feature in the Champions League next season. However, despite their achievements, the club are in financial turmoil.
Marca reports that Sevilla president Pepe Castro revealed that the club has a standing debt worth €90 million, which puts them in a difficult position this summer.
The news outlet have not given a detailed explanation as to why a debt of that amount is a major issue for the Spanish giants, especially with several clubs in the Premier League pressing on with their business despite owing significantly more.
However, Sevilla need to reinforce their squad to compete on all fronts next season, but they are significantly limited in the transfer market until they generate funds through player sales.
Mendilibar’s entire squad is reportedly up for grabs this summer, but at least three high-profile departures should help the club balance their books.
Sevilla are not exactly the custodian of notable high-value players, but here are three departures that should do the trick for the decorated Spanish giants.
Bono
Bono has been a standout performer for Sevilla since joining on an initial loan deal from Girona in 2019. The deal was made permanent for around €4m in 2020, and he has proven a good value for money signing.
The 32-year-old shot-stopper has racked up 58 clean sheets in 148 games over the last four years and was instrumental to Sevilla’s Europa League triumph last season after saving two penalties in the shootout.
Bona has attracted interest from the free-spending Saudi Arabians, who are famous for handing out eye-watering contract proposals to top targets. It could be key in luring Bono away from Sevilla this summer.
Despite his importance to the team, Sevilla would not stand in the goalkeeper’s way if an important offer arrives from the Gulf Nation.
Bono is valued at €12m by Transfermarkt, but the Spanish side could demand significantly more for their number one shot-stopper.
Lucas Ocampos
Lucas Ocampos spent the first half of last season on loan at Ajax in the Eredivisie, but he returned to the Ramon Sanchez-Pizjuan Stadium right on cue to help Sevilla with their European bid.
The Argentina international registered five goals and two assists in 28 games across all competitions last season and is attracting interest from the Premier League.
Fulham, who defied expectations by finishing in the top half of the table last season, are looking to reinforce their squad and have identified Ocampos as a target.
They have inquired about Ocampos’ availability, and Sevilla will be open to a sale, especially with the former Olympique Marseille man entering the final 12 months of his contract.
Youssef En-Nesyri
Despite Sevilla’s unremarkable domestic campaign, Youssef En-Nesyri remained a top performer for Los Nervionenses notching 18 goals and two assists in 48 games across all competitions.
Like Ocampos, the 26-year-old centre-forward has also been linked with a move to the Premier League amid interest from West Ham United, who are lacking firepower at the top end of the pitch.
The Hammers failed to land the Morocco international in the January transfer market. It remains to be seen if they will return for his signature, with Gianluca Scamacca poised to exit London Stadium this summer.
