Everton have been here before. A couple of times in fact.
One of their stars is supposedly being eyed by one of Europe’s elite as the transfer merry go round gets into full swing.
Wayne Rooney, Mikel Arteta, Romelu Lukaku and Idrissa Gueye are all examples from the Premier League era.
But now it is the turn of Richarlison, who is the latest Blues star to be linked with a move to a Champions League club.
Reports in France have claimed over the last few days that the Brazilian is being eyed by Paris Saint-Germain as a possible replacement for Kylian Mbappe.
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PSG sporting director Leonardo Araujo confirmed on Wednesday afternoon that Real Madrid have made a €160m bid for the French World Cup winner.
The whole situation is far from ideal at any time for Everton, but this situation possibly arising less than a week before the end of the transfer window is nothing more than a nightmare scenario for the club’s hierarchy.
If PSG come knocking for Richarlison then one imagines the Brazilian won’t want to say no to the move.
The chance to play with some of the biggest stars in the game, guaranteed Champions League football every season and the chance to win silverware would surely be too good to turn down.
In many ways it is a no-brainer for the 24-year-old, who has made no secret of his desire to play at the highest level he can.
However, for Everton, the no-brainer is not selling one of their prize possessions this summer, regardless of what fee gets offered.
Yes money talks, and yes every player has a price, but the Blues simply can not afford to lose the winger between now and the end of the window.
Richarlison has already shown his worth this season, even though he barely had a pre-season with his teammates after representing Brazil at the Olympics.
But that didn’t stop him from lining up on the opening day of the season for the Blues against Southampton.
A goal and an assist followed at Goodison as his side came from behind to claim an opening day three points.
While at the weekend, the Brazilian was a constant threat as the Blues picked up a point away at Leeds United.
Eyebrows were raised when Everton secured the services of Richarlison in a deal that could rise to £50m back in the summer of 2018.
But since his arrival, the 43 goals and 10 assists he has claimed in the 121 appearances he has so far made for the Blues have firmly silenced those doubters and critics.
To put it simply, allowing Richarlison to depart this summer without a replacement lined up feels like another Lukaku repeat.
Allowing players to leave is all well and good, but only if ready made replacements are waiting in the wings to come in.
But given the timing of a possible deal being completed, and the continued contribution Richarlison makes, losing him would be a bitter pill to swallow.
And for a club that has long craved the need to have world class talent in their ranks, especially under Farhad Moshiri, losing Richarlison would also raise more questions than answers.
Also where would it leave Rafa Benitez? The Spaniard appears to be getting a tune out of the majority of his Blues squad, who have made an impressive start to the season.
Losing one of his star players without a replacement would weaken his side, and as we have seen before it doesn't take much for him to get his back up when it comes to transfers.
Never in their wildest dreams did Evertonians believe their club would be involved in the Mbappe transfer saga.
But while the rest of the world watches on in anticipation of what might happen next, it is vital that the Everton hierarchy hold nerve and ensure no matter what, Richarlison remains their player.
There is simply no other option for those involved with the club.
