Everton Make A Transfer U-Turn Regarding Their 22-Year-Old Midfielder: Is It The Right Decision? | OneFootball

Everton’s stance on Tim Iroegbunam has hardened ahead of the January window, and the message leaves little room for doubt. According to former chief executive Keith Wyness, who spoke exclusively to Football Insider, the club has no intention of allowing the 22-year-old midfielder to leave.

Despite limited game time this season, the Merseyside hierarchy seems determined to keep him involved rather than risk a sudden gap in the squad’s depth. Iroegbunam arrived from Aston Villa in 2024 for £9million and has made 36 appearances since joining the Toffees.

Everton will not allow Tim Iroegbunam to leave the club in January 2026

Although the Englishman has not yet managed to secure a regular starting spot under David Moyes, the current situation in the midfield group has shifted the discussion. With Idrissa Gueye potentially facing suspension and expected to miss matches due to the African Nations Cup, Everton find themselves short of reliable options in the centre of the pitch. As a result, Wyness believes any talk of a transfer should be shut down straightaway.

His appearance on the Football Insider Inside Track podcast added more clarity. He suggested Everton may need to lean on Iroegbunam more in the coming weeks, noting that Gueye’s absence would likely push Moyes to tweak his rotation. He also mentioned that, with an appeal still in question and nothing guaranteed, keeping the 22-year-old is mainly a sensible and necessary call.

LIVERPOOL, ENGLAND – APRIL 05: Tim Iroegbunam of Everton is challenged by Mikel Merino of Arsenal during the Premier League match between Everton FC and Arsenal FC at Goodison Park on April 05, 2025 in Liverpool, England. (Photo by Carl Recine/Getty Images)

“There’s no chance now again, as you say, not only Gana Gueye with a potential suspension unless there’s an appeal, and there may well be an appeal, but also the African Nations Cup he’ll be gone for.

“So I think there’s no chance that Iroegbunam’s going anywhere now. I think he’s going to be staying. So I think that one can be put to bed as well.”

How do we look at this decision?

Although speculation pointed towards possible offers arriving in January, Everton’s priority now seems to be stability rather than short-term profit. The club understands the importance of maintaining competition in midfield, especially during a spell where squad numbers could come under pressure. Therefore, the midfielder is expected to remain part of the setup beyond the turn of the year.

From a practical point of view, keeping him makes sense. Letting him go without a ready replacement would invite unnecessary risk at a crucial stage of the season. However, while the decision displays sound thinking, it now falls on Iroegbunam to prove them right. If Everton plan to keep him, they must give him more meaningful chances; otherwise, his development could stall, making the decision feel cautious rather than forward-thinking.