Neal Maupay mocks Everton by comparing exit to escaping Shawshank prison

Neal Maupay has aimed a parting shot at Everton by comparing his loan to Marseille to a prison escape.

The French striker posted a clip from the film The Shawshank Redemption to confirm the deal, which should lead to his permanent departure from Merseyside.

Maupay’s relationship with Everton supporters has soured over the past two years, even while he has been away from the club. The notoriously outspoken 28-year-old is never shy to hit back at his critics.

After his £15 million move from Brighton in 2022, Maupay scored once in 32 appearances. The nadir was the opening game of last season, when after missing chances in the defeat by Fulham, he highlighted abuse that fans had directed at him on social media. “This is what I get for not scoring. No one should ever deal with this,” he said.

Maupay doubled down on those remarks during his subsequent loan spell at Brentford last season. “I didn’t play much, but when I was on the pitch, I wasn’t the best version of myself. I didn’t find my best form,” he said.

“I’m always honest and tell the truth. Last season, I didn’t enjoy myself. I didn’t enjoy my football and life up there was tough. The people around the club, the fans, made my life really difficult.”

Last week, Maupay intervened to defend team-mates who were verbally abused as they left Euston station after the heavy defeat by Tottenham Hotspur.

“Imagine another job where it’s normalised to get abuse like this,” wrote Maupay. “Hanging around at a train station to scream at men who are trying their best.”

Maupay has not been part of Sean Dyche’s plans this season and his transfer should free up some funds for more additions before the transfer deadline.

Lyon midfielder Orel Mangala is heading to Merseyside to seal a loan move. “He’s a player who is making his way over,” Dyche confirmed.

Mangala left Nottingham Forest for the French club only this summer. “There is still a lot to do with the details of any deal, as there always is,” Dyche said. “But there’s a chance of getting him over and seeing if that deal can be done.

“He’s got a bit more know-how, having played in the Premier League more. We will see, but we have to get him here first.”