Paul Merson says he is ‘quite shocked’ that Sean Dyche’s Everton are looking to sell Alex Iwobi on transfer deadline day.
The 27-year-old is set for a medical at Marco Silva’s Fulham, with a possible deal reaching ‘£22 million’ for the versatile player, as reported by BBC Sport.
But given Everton’s start to the new Premier League season, where they haven’t registered a point or even scored a goal, Merson just can’t believe they are letting Alex Iwobi go because he feels that he has been ‘one of their better players’, as he told Deadline Day on Sky Sports (01/09/23 at 2:40 pm).
Perhaps FFP has something to do with this, or the simple fact that Sean Dyche feels that Iwobi doesn’t suit his system.
If that’s the case, then it is a surprise because he is a hard-working player and someone who can carry the ball from deep, he can be trusted to do his defensive work and can play in different positions.
Nonetheless, this is what Merson made of Iwobi’s possible departure from Everton.
“I am shocked,” said Merson. “Everton need to keep their players. I thought Iwobi was one of their better players last season, in a terrible season, and the season before.
“So, for me, I am quite shocked with that, if I am being honest. Very shocked. A good signing for Fulham.”
Top signing for Fulham
This is Fulham’s second season back in the Premier League and this is where it gets tricky, which results in these types of teams heading back down.
Added to that, the London club lost star man and key goalscorer Aleksandar Mitrovic to Saudi Arabia this summer, which would have only increased talk that they might be in a relegation fight.
And whilst Iwobi isn’t a direct replacement for Mitrovic, it’s still bulking up your squad with trustworthy and experienced players, so it’s a top signing for the club, if it goes through.
Receive exclusive football transfer news and updates twice a week to your mailbox
