Sean Dyche makes Alex Iwobi transfer admission ahead of Everton v Fulham
Alex Iwobi's move from Everton to Fulham was a "needs must" transfer, Sean Dyche has said ahead of their Premier League clash on Saturday (26 October).
Speaking at his press conference on the eve of the match, Dyche said he enjoyed working with Iwobi during his time at Goodison Park, and would have loved to keep the Nigerian in better circumstances.
After four full seasons on Merseyside, Iwobi signed for Fulham after just two matches of the last campaign, with the Toffees receiving £22million for his services. [BBC, 2 September 2023]
Dyche said, as per Liverpool World [26 October]: "It was a very good deal for the club. I thought he was an excellent servant, certainly in my time here, [we] enjoyed having him around the place.
"He was a joy to work with, a very good player in my opinion.
"Not one I wanted to lose but needs must at that time – it was a good fee for a good player."
Sean Dyche would love to have Alex Iwobi for Everton v Fulham
During his time at Goodison Park – and despite only spending the best part of six months under Dyche's stewardship – Iwobi was often leaned upon for his versatility across the pitch.
Capable of playing in several midfield positions and on either flank, Iwobi's attitude cannot be questioned, and that's exactly the kind of player Dyche thrives on having in his squad.
He'd certainly appreciate such versatility at the moment too, given just how many players across the Blues' midfield and forward line have missed matches through injury so far this season.
Expected to occupy the left-hand side for Fulham at Goodison Park in Saturday's match (26 October), Iwobi will likely be going up against a revitalised Ashley Young in a tightly-contested match.
With Tim Iroegbunam and James Garner still missing in the middle of the park, Dyche certainly wouldn't be complaining if he had Iwobi to call upon as the Toffees bid to make it five straight matches unbeaten.
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