Sean Dyche has openly expressed his regret over the club’s decision to sell Alex Iwobi to Fulham, a transfer that was finalized late on the deadline day, writes the EvertonNews. The Nigerian winger had been a consistent presence for the Toffees during the previous season, where the team narrowly avoided relegation from the Premier League. However, Iwobi made a surprising move to Craven Cottage on the closing day of the transfer window, commanding a transfer fee of £22 million.
Iwobi’s departure left Dyche with limited options for Everton’s subsequent match, a 2-2 draw against Sheffield United. In an unusual turn of events, Dyche named two goalkeepers on his seven-player bench, underscoring the impact of Iwobi’s exit on the squad.
Speaking about the state of his squad in an interview with TNT Sports before the match, Dyche expressed his disappointment, saying, “We didn’t want Alex (Iwobi) to leave but you have to be good at the reality of the situation. It’s not ideal. We’re stretched. The business model of the club is changing.”
The loss of Iwobi on the eve of the transfer deadline has exacerbated Everton’s ongoing challenges. Dyche appears visibly frustrated with the situation, as the departure of a key player has left an already thinly stretched squad with limited options.
Amid the setbacks, one silver lining for Everton fans was the fitness of Dwight McNeil, who was available for selection on the bench in place of Iwobi. However, the overall predicament at Goodison Park does not appear to be improving, with Dyche grappling with the repercussions of Iwobi’s departure.
Despite Everton’s recent struggles, Alex Iwobi had been one of the few consistently impressive performers in the team. His departure reflects the complex financial situation at the club, making it challenging to turn down substantial bids, particularly for players who are unwilling to commit to new contracts. Iwobi was in the final 12 months of his contract, further complicating the decision.
In the midst of these challenges, Everton managed to secure their first point and first goal of the season in the draw with Sheffield United. The international break offers a brief respite, and fans will hope that this result signals the beginning of a more positive period at Goodison Park. Dyche and the team will aim to regroup and field a complete bench in their upcoming match against Arsenal.