Tim Iroegbunam to be first Everton casualty this summer as defensive midfield priority comes to light
Tim Iroegbunam could be first out the door this summer as Everton look to improve their squad.
The Toffees signed Iroegbunam from Aston Villa for £9million From Aston Villa in June 2024, and it's fair to say he's yet to set the world a light.
Iroegbunam hasn't been able to nail a regular starting spot under David Moyes, which has led to fan confusion and demands for improvement.
The midfielder still struggles to get in the side over veteran Idrissa Gana Gueye, and despite the latter's continued performances, the Blues look ready to move on.
With that being said, Everton are looking to upgrade their squad this summer, and it may come at the expense of Iroegbunam.
Why may Tim Iroegbunam be sold?
Iroegbunam has been criticised for poor performances in the Premier League, and it looks like he's being carried by his teammates most weeks.
While Everton's recent dip in form is not solely on him, it's no surprise that their performances haven't improved with the Englishman in the side.
| Area of game | Stats |
| Matches (starts) | 28 (16) |
| Pass accuracy | 81.1% |
| Duels won | 56% |
| Chances created per 90 | 0.51 |
| Possession won in final third per 90 | 0.26 |
As seen in the table above, Iroegbunam hasn't had an area in which he's really excelled in this season.
According to Sky Sports, as relayed by Transfer News Live on X, Everton's manager Moyes is said to be targeting a new defensive midfielder this summer.
This would likely mean Iroegbunam getting pushed even further down the pecking order, especially considering that Europe doesn't look like a possibility anymore.
Who could replace Iroegbunam?
It depends on what type of defensive midfielder Everton are looking for. Are they after a six, or an eight?
Iroegbunam is a natural six, a defensive midfielder, but given that he doesn't offer much going forward, he doesn't make up for it either by protecting the defence very well.
Everton have been credited with interest in Galatasaray midfielder Gabriel Sara, who has played a multitude of positions in the middle of the park.
The Toffees have Milton Delgado's name on their radar, too, a 20-year-old Argentinian gem for Boca Juniors.
Everton need a different profile this summer, but any extra bodies in midfield would surely have to come at the expense of someone else, and that is likely to be Iroegbunam, who may be sold.