Ian Wright still in shock Everton sold Iwobi to Fulham

Arsenal legend Ian Wright couldn’t believe that Everton sold Alex Iwobi to Fulham.

Speaking to Premier League Productions, the former striker claimed the Toffees had ‘fallen off’ after selling one of their ‘top’ players to a club like Fulham.

Iwobi joined Everton from Arsenal in a deal rising to £34 million four years ago and went on to make 140 appearances for the club, arguably becoming their best player last season as he scored twice and provided seven assists in the Premier League.

Sean Dyche’s side was previously adamant they would keep the Nigerian but eventually sold him for around £22m on transfer deadline day.

Iwobi had reportedly already refused to sign a new contract at Goodison Park and would have been available for free at the end of the campaign, however, Wright still believes it was a terrible decision and has compared it to Wayne Rooney joining Manchester United in 2004.

“Everton have sold, for me, arguably, their best creative player in the last couple of seasons in Iwobi,” Wright said.

 “And they sold him to Fulham. This is the level they have dropped to. I am not disrespecting Fulham. We are talking about Rooney to Manchester United, talking about big players, and even Arteta going to Arsenal.

“Players going to big clubs now. Everton are selling certain players, top players, to Fulham. That’s how far they have fallen off.

“It has to be pointed at his door, Moshiri’s door. Simply because he has come in with the money and he doesn’t realise that it’s another level of ownership now. He didn’t have the expertise for it.”

Alex Iwobi didn’t have the goal stats to show it, but he was a very important player for Everton in the middle of the park.

The Toffees were mistaken in thinking they could get away with not replacing him and they will suffer for that this season, however selling him for £22m was arguably quite a good deal.

The 27-year-old looked set to leave on a free transfer next summer, so making back such a big chunk of his price tag was actually pretty good business for Everton.

However, their failure to bring in a similar midfielder makes it a lot more questionable and it could prove to be a huge decision in their gradual fall to the Championship.