At the weekend, Calciomercato reported Everton want €15m for Tim Iroegbunam, who was of interest to Lazio. Even that figure appeared optimistic and below reality.
The Italian club were looking to offer about €8m for the midfielder as they are scrambling for new signings after multiple sales.
The 22-year-old’s contract at Everton runs out in 2027. This was giving the Rome club hope of landing the talent, who has become an important part of the Toffees’ first-team squad this season.
He’s played 19 times in all competitions, featuring 17 times in the Premier League.
Iroegbunam’s situation is further covered in today’s Corriere dello Sport.
The newspaper make it clear that Lazio have attempted to negotiate a deal with Everton for the Englishman. He was seen as a replacement for Matteo Guendouzi, who has already joined Fenerbahce.
Maurizio Sarri’s side submitted an offer for Iroegbunam but it was ‘immediately rejected’ by the Toffees.
Further talks are unlikely to take place. Everton’s Friedkin ownership are unlikely to sanction a sale in January.
The Italian side have now moved on to Atalanta’s Daniel Maldini. A transfer is expected to go through soon and Iroegbunam should stay at Goodison Park.
A move so late in January was anyway going to be difficult. Considering how often Iroegbunam has played in the campaign, a fee of €15m appeared too low.
Once again, a Serie A club has thought a Premier League transfer would be much cheaper than the reality.
