Leaving Everton after the supporters “warmed” to him “wasn’t an easy decision,” according to Alex Iwobi, but he believes it was the “best solution.”
The now-Fulham midfielder told The Athletic on October 2 that he and the team made the decision to part ways because he felt like he “needed a new challenge.” He claims to have “left on good terms,” however there are some details of his departure that he is “not allowed to say,” according to The Athletic.
The 27-year-old had been expected to renew his contract at Goodison Park for a while, but on deadline day (1 September), a deal was reached to send him to Craven Cottage after it became clear he would not be doing so [Daily Mail, 2 September]; this was likely crucial for the financially strapped Toffees.
Wobi admitted that leaving wasn’t an easy decision. I had a great time there. especially during the past few years. They appeared to be warming up to me. Fulham is giving me the chance to express myself and take on a new challenge at the same time as I felt I needed one.
“There were a lot of talks behind closed doors — there are things I’m not allowed to say — but I feel like it was a decision from the club and from me that the best solution was to leave,” he continued, referring to the team’s financial problems. I wish them luck since I respect them greatly and we parted ways amicably.
The club’s financial position must have been a factor given that potential new owners 777 Partners have already had to loan money to maintain the club’s daily operations (Athletic, 18 September) and are likely to have to do so again.
Since a buyout is imminent and there has been a lot of instability at Goodison Park, it is probably not surprising that Iwobi won’t elaborate. It is also perhaps not a great surprise that he could have preferred to rejoin Marco Silva at Fulham.
But a year ago, when he was frequently hailed as the star of Frank Lampard’s team, it is undoubtedly not how supporters would have seen his time at the club ending.
At that time, new contracts for him, Anthony Gordon, and Jordan Pickford were all being discussed. However, just one of those players is still with the team after the winger was traded to Newcastle in January.
Iwobi’s influence had diminished since being moved back out wide under Sean Dyche, and Abdoulaye Doucouré has replaced his crucial role very well.
Attacking options were signed this summer, albeit the financial commitment has been somewhat delayed because Beto and Youssef Chermiti won’t be paid until the following fiscal year [Athletic, 5 September]; however, Iwobi and Demarai Gray’s untimely departures put a damper on plans.
