Everton manager Sean Dyche has revealed he was reluctant to let Alex Iwobi leave for Fulham on transfer deadline day in 2023 but had no choice due to the club’s financial situation, PUNCH Sports Extra reports.
Speaking ahead of Everton’s Premier League clash with West Ham United on Saturday, Dyche admitted that every player at the club has a price tag.
“Alex Iwobi was like that a day or so before the deadline; I didn’t want to lose Alex, but they said, ‘Look, this is a deal we’ve got to do,’” Dyche said during his pre-match press conference.
“I said ‘ok’ and that’s the way it goes, so, therefore, I better mould it towards the next lot of players and how many I can get in and use. If the number’s right, the player gets sold; if the number isn’t right, they don’t.”
The revelation comes as Everton prepares for a takeover by the Friedkin Group after eight years under Farhad Moshiri’s control.
“I don’t know any of their (the new owners) plans, their thoughts or feelings about the club at this time, or the finances. So that would clearly be a new decision,” Dyche added.
Since his move to Fulham, Iwobi has impressed and has scored twice and provided an assist in 10 Premier League appearances this season, including a goal in a recent 1-1 draw against his former club.
The Nigeria midfielder has also been crucial in Fulham’s recent upturn in form, helping them secure a dramatic 2-1 victory against Brentford in their last Premier League outing.
Speaking after the Brentford win, Iwobi said, “It’s a big lift because we feel like our performances recently deserved a lot more, in terms of getting points and results.”
Last season, the 27-year-old recorded five goals and two assists in 30 Premier League appearances for the Cottagers, endearing himself to the fans at Craven Cottage.
Iwobi’s form has justified Dyche’s initial reluctance to let him leave as he was often instrumental in their top-flight survival, but the manager’s comments suggest Everton’s financial situation left them with little choice but to accept Fulham’s offer.
