Iwobi leaves Everton signing five year deal with Fulham said to be worth about £22m

ALEX Iwobi has completed the signing of a five-year deal with English Premier League side Fulham said to be worth about £22m that sees him return to London from Merseyside where he went to in 2019 when he joined Everton.

Iwobi, 27, entered the final year of his contract with Everton but was unable to reach an agreement with the Toffees over an extension. Fulham manager Marco Silva was in charge of the Merseyside club when Iwobi joined them from Arsenal in 2019 and was thus keen on a reunion with the playmaker.

During his time at Merseyside, Iwobi featured in 140 matches across all competitions, establishing himself as a versatile squad member. However, the playmaker's decision to leave the club was reached after unsuccessful contract negotiations between Everton and his representatives.

Iwobi said: “What a journey it’s been, Toffees. I’ve shared some of the most intense moments of my career with you all and it almost feels surreal that it has come to an end.

“The Alex that arrived at Goodison Park in 2019 isn’t the Alex saying goodbye today. I owe that to the good, the bad, the ugly and the beautiful game we’ve lived together. Thank you for an unforgettable ride and I wish you the best of luck, Blues.”

Last season, Iwobi was voted the Everton Players’ Player of the Year after his contributions helped the Toffees narrowly escape relegation from the Premier League. He will now join former Arsenal teammate Bernd Leno and Super Eagles compatriot Calvin Bassey at Fulham.

"I’m buzzing, I just can’t wait to get started, I’m excited to start my journey here. Marco Silva spoke to me about the ambitions of the club and I’m on board. Hopefully I can bring something to the club," Iwobi added.

Silva brought Iwobi to Everton from Arsenal in the summer of 2019, but the Portuguese manager was dismissed three months later with the Toffees 18th on the table.  During the 2022/23 season, Iwobi scored two goals and provided seven assists in 38 appearances as Everton escaped relegation on the final day of the season.