Alex Iwobi will be lining up alongside former Manchester United winger Ashley Young at Everton next season, according to transfer news expert Fabrizio Romano.
The Italian journalist confirmed the move via his famous Twitter page with his famous catchphrase, “Here We Go!” which he uses to confirm the completion of a player's transfer to a new club.
Iwobi will have the chance to learn from the veteran, who played in midfield, on the wings, and is currently being deployed as a wingback.
Young will sign for one season as a free agent after a stint with boyhood club Aston Villa.
Ashley Young is set to join Everton on a short term deal, here we go! Medical has been booked in the next 24h. 🚨🔵 #EFC
Young accepted conditions of the deal and joins as free agent. pic.twitter.com/TUhrJAo7OS
— Fabrizio Romano (@FabrizioRomano) July 10, 2023
Young to be player-mentor to Alex Iwobi, others
Young, 38, is in the twilight of his football career. After coming through the ranks at Watford, he joined Aston Villa when he was 22 years old.
He spent the next four seasons making a name for himself at Villa Park and in 2011, was snapped up as one of Sir Alex Ferguson's final purchases in his last years at Manchester United.
Young went on to enjoy a moderately successful nine years with the Red Devils, enjoying highs and lows and fully adapting to being used as a utility player. Now, the veteran, who also represented England between 2007 and 2018, is comfortable in any outfield position he is required to play in by his coach.
Iwobi is primarily a central midfield player but has been deployed in the holding midfield role as a wing-back, a number eight, 10, and a supporting striker.
Having the experience of Young in his side should help the Nigeria national team midfielder evolve as a player and put in a great shift for the Super Eagles when the AFCON 2023 finals come round.
Young will have his medical on Tuesday and sign his contract with Everton after turning down offers from newly-promoted Luton Town and a number of Saudi Arabian clubs.
He will join up with Iwobi and his teammates later, as they have travelled to Switzerland for pre-season training.
Africans who have played with Ashley Young
Iwobi will be the first Nigerian to share a training ground and dressing room with Young. According to sources, he will be doing that for one season, which Nigerian fans will hope will be a learning season for the 27-year-old.
Alex Iwobi resumes training in style 🔥🇳🇬 pic.twitter.com/LrOzrEOv5t
— POOJA!!! (@PoojaMedia) July 10, 2023
Chelsea midfielder Carney Chukwuemeka and his brother Caleb Chukwuemeka both played with Young at Aston Villa. The Chukwuemeka brothers are on the radar of the Nigeria Football Federation (NFF), who are working to get them both to pledge their allegiance to the Super Eagles.
He also played with Bertrand Traore, captain of the Burkina Faso national team, at Aston Villa, before exiting the club as a free agent.
Young played with Super Eagles defenders Danny Shittu and Sam Sodje at Watford. Young and Moroccan fullback also played for one year at Inter Milan, where they won the Scudetto for the Nerazzurri together.
This article was most recently revised and updated 3 months ago
