Everton’s activity in the market has been a pleasant shock to the fanbase, who are already seeing the benefits of the new additions.
Sean Dyche and Kevin Thelwell have likely been dreaming of a window like this, where they are given some funds at last and free rein to wade into the market.
After all, for the first few years of their respective tenures, survival on a shoestring budget was the only goal.
Now finally allowed to dream bigger, their summer spending was actually kicked off with an interesting deal which actually drew scrutiny from the rest of the division.
In fact, it even spurred the Premier League to rush to close Everton’s supposed PSR loophole.
However, the damage had already been done. Lewis Dobbin had joined Aston Villa for £10m, and in return, the Toffees had snagged Tim Iroegbunam for just £9m.
Tim Iroegbunam reveals Sean Dyche advice
The 21-year-old midfielder joins Goodison Park with a big reputation, having impressed in spells under Unai Emery as well as shining whilst on loan with QPR too.
His senior experience may be limited, but it is certainly growing, and his presence within Dyche’s first-team squad already speaks volumes for his plans for the coming Premier League season.
In fact, in the latest piece by The Athletic, an interview with the young maestro offers a keen insight into what training is like for Iroegbunam, transitioning from Unai Emery’s methods to the former Burnley boss.
The report first notes: ‘The demands at Everton under Dyche will be different to what he experienced at Villa. He is still adapting, but early signs have been positive. Iroegbunam has impressed his manager in pre-season, both in games and training.’
They then introduce Iroegbunam’s comments: ‘“The style of football is different,” he says. “Today, I must have lost the ball and didn’t react quick enough. He (Dyche) was telling me, ‘It’s fine to lose the ball, just make sure you’re switched on to try and win it back’.
‘“It’s how long it’ll take me to adapt. From there, I can kick on.”’
Tim Iroegbunam is set to play a big role for Everton
As aforementioned, Iroegbunam’s presence within the senior squad already, having featured heavily throughout pre-season too, bodes well for his chances going into the new campaign.
He may be young and inexperienced, but with the physical skillset to shine in England, and a classy calmness that few could have predicted, there is every chance he will grow into an integral cog in Everton’s midfield.
Dyche already confirmed that Iroegbunam would get more minutes this season than ever, and that alone marks a huge show of faith.
It seems that, for all the furore surrounding the deal and the PSR ramifications of it, the Toffees have actually brought in a key part of the future.
Meanwhile, Aston Villa have just sent Dobbin out on loan to West Bromwich Albion.
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