Alex Iwobi (file photo)
Often deployed as a right wing back, Iwobi’s work rate and determination endeared him to supporters, while his 99th minute winner against Newcastle United at Goodison Park was the crowning moment of a sensational comeback from a player who had initially struggled to make an impact following his arrival from Arsenal
Nigeria’s international and Everton mid-fielder, Alex Iwobi, is yet to know his fate in the Premier League club as time draws closer to the end of his contract.
The utility player, who played a major role in the club’s surviving relegation threat, may be considering plying his trade elsewhere as Everton management is yet to decide on his future despite discussions which started on September last year.
Liverpool Echo reported that the 27-year-old Iwobi has entered the final year of his contract with Everton.
Echo also reported that Sean Dyche confirmed that negotiations were part of a wider “ongoing process” of dialogue with players and their representatives.
Recall that fuelled by heartbreak in the Africa Cup of Nations and the arrival, under Frank Lampard, of a coaching team eager to harness his ability, Iwobi strung together an impressive run of form that was central to Everton’s escape from relegation at the end of the 2021/22 campaign.
Often deployed as a right wing back, Iwobi’s work rate and determination endeared him to supporters, while his 99th minute winner against Newcastle United at Goodison Park was the crowning moment of a sensational comeback from a player who had initially struggled to make an impact following his arrival from Arsenal.
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Iwobi’s influence only grew last season as his versatility once again proved instrumental. An injury crisis saw him start the season in central midfield but, under Lampard, he turned into a creative force when operating from the left of a central midfield three – particularly impressive given the injury to Dominic Calvert-Lewin that blunted Everton’s attack.
It was his performances in the opening months of last season that convinced Everton to begin discussions over a new deal for Iwobi.
Almost one year later, no agreement has been reached, however.
Asked by the ECHO whether talks were ongoing, Dyche confirmed no conclusion to the matter had been agreed and said: “Me and [director of football Kevin Thelwell] have been speaking about the idea of being open with the agents, open with the players and fathoming out in a way that is a more open scenario – open conversations, where are we at with it, what is the truth of it, and working it all out. That is just an ongoing process, not just with him but with every player whose contract has either got a renegotiation or a question mark or time lapse.”
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