By Milcah Tanimu
The sale of Nigeria international Alex Iwobi from Everton to Fulham during the last summer transfer window was primarily driven by Everton’s dire financial situation, according to a report by British publication Givemesport.
Iwobi’s unexpected move to Fulham was completed on a five-year deal worth €22 million. During his four seasons with Everton, he had made 123 Premier League appearances and scored six goals. He was even named Players’ Player of the Season and had been one of Everton’s standout performers, helping them narrowly avoid relegation in two consecutive seasons.
However, the transfer came as a shock to many on the transfer deadline day. Givemesport reported that Everton’s financial woes, both on and off the pitch, were the driving force behind the decision to sell Iwobi.
The report stated, “With Everton’s financial situation drastically worsening year on year, something has to change at the top at Goodison Park. The Merseyside club’s difficulties from a money perspective were amplified this summer, with just £2.6 million spent on new players in terms of upfront payments, but £45 million worth of assets sold, including key man Alex Iwobi on deadline day.”
In recent developments, Everton is reportedly close to being sold to the Miami-based investment firm 777 Partners. Talks with MSP Sports Capital had collapsed in August, and this takeover could signal the end of owner Farhad Moshiri’s tenure, who first invested in the club in 2016. This potential change in ownership may have further implications for Everton’s financial outlook and its approach to player transfers in the future.
