Former Premier League midfielder Jamie O’Hara believes Arsenal made an exceptional deal when they sold Nigerian international Alex Iwobi to Everton for an initial fee of £28 million, according to Sports Extra. O’Hara argues that the Toffees significantly overpaid for Iwobi, whose true value does not match the hefty price tag. He notes that Iwobi was one of the few players who genuinely did everything possible to support Frank Lampard during his tenure as manager. If Everton were to hold their end-of-season awards six months early, Iwobi would likely dominate the results.
Lampard’s decision to position Iwobi as a dynamic, box-to-box central midfielder was one of his notable successes at Goodison Park. Previously, Iwobi had spent most of his time playing on the wing under managers Rafa Benitez and Carlo Ancelotti. However, in his new role, he showcased the best football of his Everton career. Despite this, the initial £28 million fee paid by Everton on the final day of the 2019 summer transfer window exemplifies how the cash-strapped club has often overpaid for talented yet relatively limited players. O’Hara remarked, “Iwobi; Arsenal must have been laughing!”
Throughout the 2022/23 Premier League campaign, Iwobi has played nearly every minute, contributing one goal and seven assists across all competitions. Sports Extra previously reported that discussions regarding a new five-year contract began as early as last November. Last year, the now-departed Lampard praised Iwobi in an interview with the Liverpool Echo, stating, “He’s one of the top midfielders in the Premier League at the moment. My job is to support him, give him confidence, put him in the right structure, in the right team. And the rest is down to him. I have a huge respect for him and love working with him.”
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