Everton now open to offers – right decision to sell?

Everton face a defensive midfield void after the exits of Idrissa Gana Gueye and Seamus Coleman, and manager David Moyes sees 23‑year‑old Tim Iroegbunam – who logged 4.07 tackles per 90 minutes, the league’s 98th percentile – as the ideal replacement, yet the club has signalled it is now open to offers.

The Merseyside club decided it cannot risk losing the midfielder for nothing next summer, so it has placed the 23‑year‑old on the market with only a year remaining on his contract. Discussions about a loan with an obligation to buy have emerged, although no formal offer has been received yet.

Interest is building from several sides; Coventry City, Hull City and Ipswich Town have all made contact with Everton. Two Serie A clubs are also monitoring the situation, according to transfer journalist Ekrem Konur.

Everton are believed to value Iroegbunam at around £20 million. Potential buyers must decide whether to meet that figure outright or negotiate an alternative structure.

David Moyes now faces an awkward balancing act, as each passing week reduces Everton’s leverage in negotiations. With only a year left on his deal, the window to secure a return narrows daily.

Across the 2025/26 Premier League campaign Iroegbunam featured in 29 league matches and recorded two assists while playing 1,493 minutes. He averaged 4.07 tackles per 90 minutes, placing him in the 98th percentile for the division. His 1.32 interceptions per 90 minutes ranked him in the 86th percentile, underscoring his defensive disruption.

Moyes has already bolstered the midfield by signing Hayden Hackney and Christian Nørgaard. The departures of Gueye and Coleman have stripped away valuable experience and defensive intensity. Relying on 32‑year‑old Nørgaard to shoulder that responsibility for several seasons appears optimistic, highlighting Iroegbunam’s importance.

T4O suggests Everton should push for a contract extension before entertaining permanent bids. If regular starts are not guaranteed, a straight loan is preferable to a deal containing an obligation to buy.

The club’s next move will hinge on whether interested parties can meet the £20 million valuation or propose a loan arrangement, while Everton must decide how to protect a proven ball‑winner whose contract expires next summer. A failure to reach an agreement could see Iroegbunam leave on a free transfer, a scenario the club aims to avoid.