Everton switch attention to Super Eagles enforcer after signing unknown Nigeria-eligible midfielder

Everton's Tim Iroegbunam is eligible for Nigeria and Super Eagles. (Photo Credit: Everton/X)

Everton switch attention to Super Eagles enforcer after signing unknown Nigeria-eligible midfielder

Izuchukwu Akawor • Izuchukwu Akawor • 09:02 - 24.06.2024

Premier League side Everton are not done with Nigerian players after signing little-known and Super Eagles-eligible Tim Iroegbunam.

In a bold move to bolster their squad after a difficult 2023/24 season, Everton are now set to target Nigerian international Wilfred Ndidi as their next big-name signing.

The Toffees, who barely avoided the drop last term and had points deducted due to financial irregularities, have already made waves by securing the £9 million capture of rising star Tim Iroegbunam from Aston Villa.

Everton target Super Eagles’ Ndidi

Manager Sean Dyche is not content to stop with Nigeria-eligible Tim as he has now set his sights on luring the experienced and accomplished Leicester City midfielder Ndidi to Goodison Park.

According to a report by TeamTalk, the Everton boss is keen to add the Super Eagles star to his ranks, with the 27-year-old's contract at the King Power Stadium set to expire at the end of the month.

Tim Iroegbunam has penned a three-year contract with Everton.
Tim Iroegbunam has penned a three-year contract with Everton. (Photo Credit: Everton)

Ndidi, who has been a crucial cog in the Leicester machine for several seasons, has so far resisted the Foxes' attempts to tie him down to a new deal, leaving him open to a potential free transfer move.

And it seems Everton are wasting no time in making their move, with the report stating that the Merseyside club have already submitted a contract offer to the Nigerian international.

Ndidi celebrating with Leicester City last season.
Ndidi celebrating with Leicester City last season. || Instagram

Consequently, Everton will face stiff competition for Ndidi's signature, with French heavyweights Marseille and Lyon also showing keen interest in the midfielder. 

Marseille, in particular, are said to be heavily pursuing Ndidi, meaning Everton will need to prepare a lucrative package to lure the sought-after star to Goodison Park.

Everton boss Sean Dyche appears to admire Nigeria's Ndidi.
Everton boss Sean Dyche appears to admire Nigeria's Ndidi. | Imago

Additionally, Monaco and Sevilla, who already snapped up Ndidi’s compatriot Chidera Ejuke, have also joined the race to secure his services as a free agent.

Ndidi's potential arrival would be a major coup for Everton as they look to bounce back from their near-disastrous campaign and mount a stronger challenge next season. 

Super Eagles midfielder Wilfred Ndidi on duty for Nigeria.
Super Eagles midfielder Wilfred Ndidi on duty for Nigeria. || Imago

The Nigerian's defensive solidity and ability to contribute in the final third could be crucial as the Toffees aim to avoid another relegation battle.

With the transfer window now in full swing, the battle for Ndidi's signature promises to be an intriguing one, as Everton look to capitalize on the midfielder's uncertain future at Leicester and strengthen their squad for the challenges ahead.

var widgetLoaderConfig = widgetLoaderConfig || { CDN_URL: 'https://widgets.sportal365.com', APP_LINK: 'desktop', API_URL: 'https://africa.football.api.sportal365.com/', API_KEY: '2f852b4de2f3a5cf3188e74b33087bb4:2c18422f8e826a7d11aeed52edb2449e', LANG: 'en', REQUEST_INTERVAL: 30, ENABLE_BET_SLIP: false, AUTHOR: false, THEME: "light", TOURNAMENT_ORDER: "pulse_nigeria", LINK_OPTIONS_V2: { 'player' : { 'url': '/football/player/{playerId}' }, 'team' : { 'url': '/football/{teamId}' }, 'tournament': { 'url': '/football/competition/{tournamentId}' }, 'match': { 'url' : '/football/match/{matchId}', 'sort': { 'criteria': 'alphabetically', 'direction': 'asc' } }, 'configuration': { 'newWindow': false }, 'standings_tournament': { 'url': '/football/competition/{tournamentId}/standings' } } }; if (!document.querySelector('script[src="https://widgets.sportal365.com/loader.bundle.min.js"]')) { window.setTimeout(function () { let scriptCss = document.createElement('link'); scriptCss.href = 'https://www.pulsesports.ng/css/sport-widgets.css?v=1668785443'; scriptCss.rel = 'stylesheet'; scriptCss.type = 'text/css'; document.body.appendChild(scriptCss); let scriptTag = document.createElement('script'); scriptTag.src = 'https://widgets.sportal365.com/loader.bundle.min.js'; scriptTag.defer = true; scriptTag.onload = function () { window.setTimeout(function () { new SMPWidgetsLoader(widgetLoaderConfig); }, 200); }; document.head.appendChild(scriptTag); }, 0); } else { new SMPWidgetsLoader(widgetLoaderConfig); }

The Nigerian played 36 matches across competitions last season and contributed 12 goals for the Foxes.

Related content