Everton face win-win Iroegbunam scenario amid Sheffield United transfer latest
Tim Iroegbunam could be set to leave Everton over the summer.
Following Iroegbunam’s move from Aston Villa last summer, the 22-year-old has been unable to establish himself in the Blues’ midfield under David Moyes.
Fitness issues hampered the Englishman’s 2024-25 season, with just 18 appearances in the Premier League, including five starts.
Sheffield United have been linked with the midfielder as the Blades look to take the youngster on loan in a move that could aid Iroegbunam’s development, with Ruben Selles eager to strengthen his squad.
Loan move for Iroegbunam is something he has to do – Lee Hendrie
Midfield is evidently an area Moyes is looking to address, with Douglas Luiz from Juventus being linked with a move to the Hill Dickinson Stadium.
If this move came to fruition, then Iroegbunam would only slide down the pecking order even further next season.
Speaking to Football League World (29 July), Sky Sports pundit Lee Hendrie suggested that a loan move for Iroegbunam would be beneficial for the midfielder, who has failed to live up to expectations since his £9million move to Merseyside.
“He struggled for game time at Everton after leaving Villa,” said Hendrie.
“There is great potential for him to show what he is all about at Sheffield United. It is something that he has to be looking at, and it would be a great signing for the Blades.
“He has got to go out and prove himself after struggling for game time and not really hitting the heights that he maybe would have imagined at Everton.”
| Tim Iroegbunam | Stats (Premier League 2024/25 season) |
| Appearences | 18 |
| Starts | 5 |
| Minutues per game | 32 |
| Total minutes played | 582 |
In order to stop his career from stagnating any further, Everton should look to sanction this loan deal so their asset does not continue to rot on the bench and lose any more value.
Iroegbunam’s move to Sheffield United could help facilitate future sale
With Everton wanting to be ambitious as they enter this new era and play at the Hill Dickinson Stadium for the first time, they must be realistic about which players suit these ambitious plans.
Whilst Iroegbunam may never be the first name on the team-sheet for Moyes, the 22-year-old still has plenty of time to develop and challenging for promotion in the Championship for Sheffield United would undoubtedly fast-track this progression.
If, after a season of playing regularly in Yorkshire, Moyes still does not deem Iroegbunam to be good enough for his side, the loan deal will hopefully have helped add value to the midfielder before Everton move him on in what is a win-win move for the Toffees.
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