Everton signs Irogbunam

Tim Iroegbunam has joined Everton from Aston Villa for an undisclosed fee, with the 20-year-old midfielder agreeing a three-year contract until June 2027 End of month.

The exciting England youth international becomes the Blues’ first signing of the summer and will join forces with his new team-mates when Sean Dyche’s side return to Finch Cottage next month for the start of pre-season Teammates meet up.

Ilogbunam is an athletic and combative player who represented the Three Lions at under-20 level and helped the team win the 2022 UEFA Europa League Under-19 Championship.

Irogbunam, who was born in Birmingham, performed well during his loan spell at Championship side Queens Park Rangers in the 2022/23 season, making 32 league appearances and scoring two goals. Gebnam returned to Aston Villa and helped Unai Emery’s side finish fourth.

He also made his European debut in the 2023/24 season, featuring in both legs of Villa’s last 16 Europa League wins over Ajax, and also featured in late games against Lille and Olympiacos. The Midlanders advanced to the semifinals.

After confirming his move to Everton, Ilogbunam told Everton TV: “I’m delighted. Everton is a fantastic club, a big club and I’m really happy to join, I can’t wait start.

“This is a step I don’t want to miss. I want to take advantage of this opportunity.

“When I spoke to Kevin [Thelwell], he told me more about the club – its history, its future and where they were watching me play. It made me really excited because it was going to happen Big things, especially the new stadium.

“When I went to Goodison as an opposition player I saw what the Everton fans were like. You could tell immediately what the atmosphere was like there – they always support the team. I will work hard for them .

“I can’t wait to get started. I’m going to give everything and I can’t wait to show what I can bring to this club.”

Irogbunam began his career at West Bromwich Albion and made his Premier League debut for the Lantern Bags in May 2021, having originally joined their academy at the age of eight. camp.

He moved to Aston Villa for an undisclosed fee in July 2021 and made his senior debut for the club in February 2022, signing a new long-term deal a month later.

Everton’s new signing continued: “I would say I’m a player that’s a little bit of both – I like to push forward and get the ball forward, but at the same time, I like to get into trouble, win tackles and work hard. Work.

“It’s very important for me to resolve the transfer situation quickly. It means I can adapt from day one and take advantage of my opportunities and impress from the start of pre-season.

“I know the manager wants his team to be proactive, direct and work hard. To do that, you need to stay fit and spending the whole pre-season here will help me get to those fitness levels so that I can do that .

Everton manager Sean Dyche said: “We are delighted to add Tim to our midfield options. He is a young player who is still learning and developing but clearly has what we want on the pitch. Lots of quality.

“My coaching staff and I are looking forward to starting working with him in the preseason.”

Director of Football Kevin Thelwell added: “We are delighted to have moved quickly to bring Tim to Everton. He is a player we have been monitoring closely and we believe he has the skills to become a strong addition to the squad. and features.

“At 20 years old he is a young and hungry player who has already accumulated some impressive experience and we look forward to helping him continue to develop and fulfill his obvious potential.”