Everton has rejected an offer from Lazio for their 22-year-old midfielder, Tim Iroegbunam. The Serie A side's attempt to sign Iroegbunam has reached a dead end, forcing them to explore other options to bolster their midfield.
Iroegbunam has become an important part of Everton's first-team squad, making 17 Premier League appearances this season, 11 of which were starts, and contributing three assists. He has played in 19 games across all competitions. The midfielder joined Everton from Aston Villa in July 2024 for around £9 million. His contract with the Toffees runs until the summer of 2027.
Lazio's interest in Iroegbunam arose after selling Matteo Guendouzi to Fenerbahce and signing Kenneth Taylor from Ajax. Lazio manager Maurizio Sarri stated that Taylor was intended to complement Guendouzi, not replace him, leaving a gap in the midfield. Iroegbunam was identified as a potential replacement, but Everton swiftly rejected Lazio's offer, expressing their desire to keep the English midfielder.
According to Calciomercato, Everton values Iroegbunam at €15 million. However, Lazio's initial offer was around €8 million, which was immediately turned down by Everton. OneFootball reports that the bid was "nowhere near Everton's valuation".
Notably, Lazio has also missed out on other midfield targets this month, including Alex Toth and Giovanni Fabbian. As a result, the Italian club has shifted its focus to other players, with Atalanta's Daniel Maldini expected to join soon.
Interestingly, OneFootball exclusively revealed that Everton has rejected a second, higher bid from another unnamed club for Iroegbunam. While Everton is reluctant to let Iroegbunam leave, they would consider a sale if a bid matches their valuation. With Idrissa Gana Gueye back from the Africa Cup of Nations and other midfielders returning from injury, Everton's depth in midfield could influence their decision.
Iroegbunam's performances have not gone unnoticed, as he has also been capped seven times for the England U20 team, scoring two goals. His current market value is estimated to be €12 million. With his contract expiring in 2027, Everton faces a decision whether to cash in on him now, offer an extension, or risk losing him for a reduced fee in the future.
