Onana Reveals Lampard's Relentless Efforts Behind £33m Everton Move

Amadou Onana credited Frank Lampard’s persistence for his £33 million transfer from Lille to Everton in 2022. The midfielder revealed Lampard called him two to three times a day, making it hard to say no. Inspired by Lampard’s legendary Premier League status, Onana fulfilled his dream of playing in England’s top flight.

After the 2022 summer transfer window, Amadou Onana completed a £33 million move from Lille to Everton, signing a five-year deal that marked a major milestone in his career. The transfer was largely driven by then-Everton manager Frank Lampard, whose persistence played a pivotal role. Onana revealed that Lampard called him two to three times a day, making it nearly impossible to refuse the offer.

For the Senegal-born midfielder, Lampard wasn’t just a manager but a Premier League icon he had idolised as a child, especially during his days watching English football back home. Speaking on The Inside Scoop, Onana described how surreal it felt to receive daily calls from one of the greatest midfielders in Premier League history. He was particularly drawn by the idea of learning under Lampard, hoping the former Chelsea legend would elevate his game.

Onana also recalled moments in training when Lampard would participate in shooting drills, showing he “still got it.” Though Lampard’s managerial stint at Everton lasted just a year, his influence left a lasting impression on Onana, now at Aston Villa. The story underscores how Lampard’s reputation and persistence helped shape a key career moment for the young midfielder.