Iwobi didn't want to leave us in 2019, and was happy to compete with the incoming Pepe for a starting place on the wing. Emery also didn't want Alex to leave, and had plans for him (probably as more of a squad player). But Iwobi was the most valuable player deemed surplus to requirements, and Everton were keen to fork over £34m for him.
ETA: Post title was edited slightly to reduce clickbaity nature.
2 Comments
Oneser@lemm.ee · 4 pts · 1y
I mean, given the price, his performances and looking at the squad we had (Saka coming up, Reiss Nelson, Pepe, Martinelli) most of us would have probably accepted it as a logical move, right?
ThePowerOfGeek@lemmy.world · 4 pts · 1y
Yeah, it really was. It was as good price considering his performances.
Just a shame that Pepe didn't work out. I'm not sure at all that overall he was upgrade over Iwobi. Pepe had a few moments of magic, but his lows were arguably lower than Iwobi 's due to the crazy price.
Either way, I found this an interesting insight into the situation back then.