Report: Everton star could join Premier League side in £15m move | OneFootball

Everton Transfer News: Tim Iroegbunam Closing In On Hull City Move After £15m Offer

Hull City have moved into a strong position to sign Tim Iroegbunam from Everton, with a formal bid of more than £15 million now on the table and discussions advancing. Credit to TeamTalk, who report that the newly-promoted Premier League side are leading the race for the 23-year-old midfielder.

The situation appears increasingly clear. Everton have been willing to listen to offers for Iroegbunam, largely because his contract is due to expire in a year, even though the club do hold an option to extend by a further 12 months. In ordinary circumstances that might strengthen Everton’s hand, but the wider midfield picture at Goodison Park has shifted considerably this summer.

David Moyes has added Hayden Hackney and Christian Norgaard, while James Garner and Merlin Rohl remain part of the engine room options. Further forward, Kiernan Dewsbury-Hall and Charly Alcaraz can operate in the No 10 spaces, and there is also an expectation that Harrison Armstrong will feature prominently this season. In short, the pathway for Iroegbunam looks narrower than it did a few months ago.

Hull City Push Ahead In Tim Iroegbunam Race

That context has opened the door for Hull City to act decisively. TEAMtalk state that “sources on all sides of the negotiations” are confident a deal can be completed, with the Tigers now ahead of Ipswich Town, Coventry City and interest from Italy. Crucially, those rival clubs have not yet followed up with formal offers, leaving Hull in what has been described as pole position.

For Hull, the attraction is obvious. Iroegbunam featured in 29 Premier League games last season, including 17 starts, and has already shown he can cope physically and tactically at that level. He is viewed as a player capable of taking on a major role in a side expected to battle for survival, which makes the proposed outlay of more than £15 million a notable show of intent.

Photo: IMAGO

Everton Midfield Reshuffle Creates Exit Route

From Everton’s perspective, this feels like a practical decision as much as a football one. Iroegbunam is “well-regarded at Everton” according to the report, but squad building often demands difficult calls. If playing time is set to reduce and his contract value could weaken over the coming months, then this may be the point at which all parties see merit in finding a resolution.

There is also encouragement from the Hull end. Their manager, Sergej Jakirovic, spoke openly about the player and did little to hide his admiration. “I think there is progress in this player [Iroegbunam],” Jakirovic told BBC Radio Humberside, as cited by BBC Sport. He added, “I like how he is playing and he is very experienced. I think we need this profile for a midfielder and I hope we will sign him.”

Jakirovic also acknowledged the uncertainty that remains, saying, “But, we will see. It could be a loan or permanent transfer. There is a lot of exchanging. He is in the last year of his contract which is an advantage for us.”

Transfer Talks Moving In Positive Direction

Those comments align with the broader expectation around the deal. The bid is in, the talks are described as positive, and Hull appear to be pushing to conclude matters before the new campaign begins. Whether the final structure is a straight permanent transfer or something more layered remains to be seen, but the momentum is clearly with Hull City.

For Everton, it would represent another example of a squad being refined around competition, profile and timing. For Hull, it could be one of the more significant arrivals of their summer.

Our View

As an Everton supporter, this is one of those moves that makes sense even if there is a little regret attached. Tim Iroegbunam always looked like a player with useful Premier League qualities. He has energy, size, discipline and a willingness to do the hard side of midfield work. You can understand why Hull City want him, and you can also understand why Everton are prepared to cash in now.

The key point for me is opportunity. If Moyes and the recruitment team genuinely believe the midfield is stronger with Hackney, Norgaard, Garner and the younger Armstrong coming through, then keeping Iroegbunam around for reduced minutes would not help anyone. A fee north of £15 million for a player entering the final year of his deal feels sensible business.

There is always a chance supporters look back and wonder whether Everton sold too soon, especially if he thrives elsewhere. But this report gives the impression of a deal driven by logic rather than panic. Hull seem to value him highly, Jakirovic clearly wants him, and the player could get the regular role that might not be there at Everton.

From an Everton point of view, that is probably the best way to see it. Wish him well, bank the money, and keep building a squad with balance and clarity. If this one goes through, it feels fair for all involved.