Everton will be busy this summer, and the club’s reported interest in Shea Charles is exciting – although the link may leave one player slightly worried.
The Toffees are not thought to be prioritising new midfielders this summer, with a new right-back, centre-back and forward higher on the agenda.
There’s no way Everton can sell Tim Iroegbunam after the season he’s having! 😡
Lazio are believed to be keen to sign the midfielder 💷
Tim Iroegbunam of Everton during the Premier League match between Everton and Wolverhampton Wanderers at Hill Dickinson Stadium.
Credit: Getty Images/Matt McNulty.
But if Everton get European football, then there’s every chance one could come in. And seemingly, Charles is someone the Toffees like.
And of course, there’s always the possibility of someone leaving.
Tim Iroegbunam was linked with an exit from Everton earlier this year, amid a struggle to start games regularly.
And Everton’s apparent interest in Charles may further complicate his standing.
Shea Charles deal could be bad news for Tim Iroegbunam
Tim Iroegbunam playing for Everton.
Photo by Marc Atkins/Getty Images
It’s been claimed that Everton are interested in Shea Charles, the former Manchester City youngster now impressing at Southampton.
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Supposedly, the Toffees have been scouting Charles amid what has been a standout campaign for the Northern Ireland international.
But, as exciting as that deal could be, perhaps Tim Iroegbunam won’t welcome the link. Because they are very similar players.
Firstly, they’re the exact same age.
Second, they are both defensive-minded midfielders who are capable of also operating from box-to-box.
They also have somewhat similar physical profiles, with Charles being a couple of inches taller than the Everton man.
It’s been noted that Charles is both an athletic and technical midfielder, and these are two traits that Iroegbuam has also demonstrated during his career so far, with ball-carrying being one of his best attributes.
Shea Charles ahead of playing for Southampton.
Photo by Leila Coker/Getty Images
The club’s interest in Charles is also probably not ideal for the likes of Merlin Rohl – who’s set to be signed permanently this summer – Charly Alcaraz and Harrison Armstrong.
But Charles is arguably most comparable to Iroegbunam stylistically, so it will be very interesting to see what happens with him if Charles does come in.
Iroegbunam exit possible this summer
Lazio showed interest in Iroegbunam in the winter transfer window, but ultimately no move materialised.
Seemingly, Everton did not want to lose him given the many injury problems David Moyes has had to contend with this term.
But the summer window offers players a better chance to reset and move on – and this could well happen with Iroegbunam, who’ll only have a year left on his contract.
Tim Iroegbunam on the ball for Everton.
Photo by Matt McNulty/Getty Images
Everton have to decide whether to keep their £9 million signing (BBC Sport) and ideally extend his contract, or sell him.
The links to Charles may well suggest they are leaning towards the latter.
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