Anthony Onifade

Thu 20 April 2023 9:10, UK

Alex Iwobi is delaying signing a new contract at Everton until the club’s status in the Premier League is determined, but Sean Dyche will be desperate to keep him this summer.

The Nigerian international dubbed “exceptional” by ex-footballer Frank Leboeuf has been among the club’s best performers over the last 12 months and is currently out of contract at Goodison Park in 2024 which saw links for a late exit after the January transfer window.

Recent reports have emerged suggesting that the 26-year-old had agreed on a new deal at Goodison Park [Football Insider, 19 December]. However, those rumours have been quashed by Nigeria Soccernet [13 April] who reveal that the playmaker is holding off until the end of the campaign.

The report also reveals that the former Arsenal midfielder is attracting interest from Premier League clubs too which will come as a source of worry to Dyche should he fail to secure the future of one of his best performers under his watch.

“Iwobi has spoken extensively with the club about extending his current contract, but he wants to wait until he knows if the team will play in the Premier League next season.

“His current contract ends in 2024, and as a result of his outstanding performance for the squad in their fight against relegation, he has attracted attention from Premier League teams and other clubs around Europe”, as quoted by Soccernet.

Everton have indeed endured a torrid Premier League campaign hence their position in the table, however, the club can have one thing to shout about and that’s the form of the Nigerian international who has established himself as a hugely pivotal player in a team desperately lacking quality in the final third.

The Toffees lost the likes of Anthony Gordon and Richarlison this season in big-money moves and the club failed to hand Dyche some much-needed additions in the January market which has seen him expected to work miracles possessing such a depleted and ailing squad at his disposal.

It is unclear whether Everton will be able to spend money this summer despite the big sales, given the club’s dire financial constraints right now, along with the additional costs of their new stadium. Relegation from the Premier League could have incredibly damaging effects on the club’s long-term plight and also see them lose plenty of their key stars including Iwobi.

However, should the club secure their Premier League status, Dyche will be desperate to secure Iwobi’s immediate future, especially if they are restricted from splashing the cash.

The Blues won’t be able to sell him for much given his contract ends next year, which means it makes more financial sense to hand him a new deal and help him grow during his prime years at the club.

Seven assists in all competitions only go to highlight further how crucial he’s been despite Everton’s struggles in scoring goals this season, and there is no secret that the former Burnley manager may be desperate to keep such an influential figure at the club for the long haul.

Iwobi has provided the most assists of any Everton player, the most key passes, the joint-most dribbles and the joint-most through balls [WhoScored] in a squad extremely limited in attacking quality so imagine what more he could do if the Toffees were able to splash the cash on some more quality this summer.

Potentially joining another Premier League club will hurt Everton and the fans, considering Iwobi’s importance to the team and his contract situation undoubtedly means a conversation will need to be had at some point, but it is perfectly understandable that he is holding off to see where the club finish at the end of the season.

Everton fans will be praying Iwobi remains part of the Goodison furniture next season.