Sky Sports pundit shares ‘100%’ verdict live on talkSPORT as Alex Iwobi nears Everton exit
Alex Iwobi moving from Everton to Premier League rivals Fulham is a good move for all parties, according to Kevin Campbell.
The Toffees are in advanced talks with the Cottagers over a deal for the midfielder, according to Dharmesh Sheth (31 August).
The Sky Sports News presenter reported that the two clubs are finalising a fee and the structure of the deal for the 27-year-old.
“When players like Iwobi get into the last year of their contract, Everton might as well just cash in because they know they can’t afford to let people go on a free transfer,” Ray Parlour said live on talkSPORT.
Campbell replied: “100%. I think Iwobi wants to go back to London anyway, so I think it works for Everton and for Iwobi.
“I suppose it will work for Sean Dyche too if they can get somebody else in, that’s the really important part. Iwobi was a key member of the squad, but if you can replace him, it’s a decent move.”
Good business?
It’s clear that Everton are not the most financially blessed Premier League club at this moment in time, so selling players in the final year of the contracts certainly makes sense, as it really would be poor business to let them leave on a free.
But Iwobi has been a key figure on the pitch in recent seasons, often playing out of position for the Toffees thanks to his versatility.
Given their injury issues, Everton could really do with keeping hold of a player like Iwobi, but it seems that he is leaving Goodison Park this summer.
He will be missed on Merseyside, but the club will get a decent fee for the Nigeria international rather than losing him for nothing next summer.
The 27-year-old hasn’t exactly been banging in the goals or chipping in regularly with assists, but he is definitely still one of the club’s most creative players.
And creativity is certainly needed at Goodison given the club’s struggles in the past few seasons, which have once again cropped up this time around.
In other Everton news, early team news for the clash with Sheffield United has emerged, with an update on Dominic Calvert-Lewin.