Alex Iwobi to join Fulham from Everton in £20m deal today
Everton and Fulham are close to finalising a £20m deal that would see Alex Iwobi return to London after four years, report the Evening Standard.
Writing on his personal Twitter account (1 September), journalist Dom Smith reports that the clubs are close to a deal and the Nigeria international is expected to be announced as a Fulham player later today.
Iwobi has entered the final year of his contract at Goodison Park and had no intention of renewing, meaning this was potentially the last chance to earn some cash for his departure.
“Fulham are close to finalising a deal with Everton for Alex Iwobi as the summer transfer deadline approaches,” he wrote.
“Standard Sport understands there is confidence the former Arsenal man will complete the move, with a fee expected in the region of £20million.”
Shame
It’s a shame that Iwobi is being moved on because on paper he is the perfect Sean Dyche player with his running off the ball, commitment and qualities on the ball.
But this ultimately becomes a business decision when he is at the stage of his contract that he is and has made it clear that he wants to move on.
Getting £20m is fantastic business in that sense, and we have got plenty of options in wide areas to replace him where necessary.
However a replacement on the final day of the window would be ideal to ensure we’re not left short, and while Iwobi will be missed by fans for his performances over the last few years he certainly isn’t irreplaceable.
It’s a good deal for everyone when context is applied and everything is taken into consideration, and now Everton must use the money wisely going forward to make sure we’re better off.
In other Everton news, 11th hour bid made for controversial ex-Premier League forward.