Nigerian midfielder Alex Iwobi is expected to sign for Fulham before the end of the summer transfer window, according to Sky Sports reporter James Lewer.
🚨 Alex Iwobi is close to joining Fulham. “This one should get done.”[@SkySportsNews] pic.twitter.com/ggrdiH6qAT
— EFC DAILY (@EFCdaily_) September 1, 2023
With just over 13 hours left before the transfer window shuts in Europe, teams are scrambling to get some deals over the line, and Iwobi could be one of those players on the move.
Having established himself as a key player over the last couple of months, Iwobi’s departure would come as a big blow for Everton off the back of a tough start to the 2023–24 Premier League season, which has seen them lose all of their three matches.
On a personal note, a move to Fulham would represent a step up for Iwobi, who will be joining a side with aspirations of securing a place in European football rather than just avoiding relegation.
Alex Iwobi’s numbers under Marco Silva at Everton
Alex Iwobi (left) & Jack Harrison (right) creative stats 22/23 season:
Argument over about Everton will dramatically lose creative outlet if Alex Iwobi leaves club #EFC pic.twitter.com/TVRKtfBrpa
— Tom (@Tom_FtblScout) August 13, 2023
Fulham’s interest in Alex Iwobi is hardly a surprise given that it was Marco Silva, the current Fulham manager, who brought Iwobi to Everton during his time on Merseyside.
Marco Silva took over the reins at Everton in May 2018, just over a year before he convinced the Toffees to fork out €30 million to land Iwobi from Arsenal in August 2019.
Iwobi made his Everton debut in a 2-0 defeat against Aston Villa and went on to play 15 more times across all competitions, racking up two goals and an assist before Silva was sacked in December 2019.
11 of Iwobi’s 16 appearances under Silva came right from the start, highlighting how much faith the Portuguese manager has in him.
A reunion in west London could see Iwobi take yet another positive step in what has been an impressive couple of months for the 27-year-old.
How will Fulham lineup with Alex Iwobi
One of Alex Iwobi’s best attributes is his versatility, as he can play a number of positions ranging from central midfield, attacking midfield, and winger.
Joining Fulham would afford Marco Silva the luxury of deploying Iwobi in several ways, as Fulham are currently in need of reinforcements on the wing as well as in midfield in the wake of Joao Palhinha’s potential departure.
Iwobi could play on either wing alongside Harry Wilson on the other side, pending the return of Willian from injury.
A midfield trio consisting of Iwobi, Sasa Lukic, and Andreas Pereira is also a concrete option should Fulham fail in their quest to secure a direct replacement for Palhinha.
All in all, a move to Craven Cottage makes a lot of sense for both Iwobi and Fulham, and it is one of the transfer stories to keep an eye on ahead of tonight’s deadline.
This article was most recently revised and updated 1 year ago