Everton contract news: Sky Sports pundit reacts to Alex Iwobi situation as long-awaited new deal goes silent
We’re delighted to welcome former Everton striker Kevin Campbell as our exclusive columnist. Each week the former Toffees captain will be giving his views on the biggest talking points at Goodison Park…
Kevin Campbell isn’t concerned that Alex Iwobi’s long-awaited Everton contract hasn’t yet materialised because it is “smart” for both sides to wait on the outcome of the relegation battle.
The Telegraph had reported as long ago as 19 December that a new deal was close for the Nigerian international, at a time when now-Newcastle winger Anthony Gordon was also thought to be on the brink of an extension.
But with Frank Lampard since sacked, the English winger sold, and the Toffees heading into the final weekend with their top flight status still on the line there has not yet been official word, with Football Insider reporting on 23 March that a deal wouldn’t be reached until the summer and a concrete offer elsewhere could turn the 27-year-old’s head, but Campbell is calm about the situation.
Speaking exclusively to Goodison News the Sky Sports pundit said: “I’m not worried because both sides are probably saying, ‘Look, we might as well wait until we know where we’re going to be’.
“That’s the smart move isn’t it? You don’t commit until you know if we’re guaranteed our Premier League status, and Alex Iwobi’s obviously going to play a key part in that.
“So I think it’s a smart move by the club, and Alex Iwobi and his representatives to just put it on the back burner.”
Iwobi has been a central figure throughout the past two seasons, having flourished arguably more than anybody during the Lampard era, and while he has been switched back out wide by Sean Dyche he is always in the team.
It would be no surprise to see him leave if Everton drop the ball on the final day, but it would be a definite blow to lose him if safety is secured.
The hope has to be that Iwobi and his injury-hit team finish the job against Bournemouth on Sunday (28 May) and whatever agreement was so close months ago can immediately be signed and sealed, because his output would be a lot to replace when strapped for cash.