Former Aston Villa midfielder Tim Iroegbunam is reportedly set for a £20 million Premier League switch from Everton to newly-promoted Hull City. The Tigers are keen to bolster their squad ahead of their opening top-flight fixture against Manchester United on August 22.
Iroegbunam's Journey from Villa to Everton
The 22-year-old was sold to Everton for £9 million, with Lewis Dobbin moving in the opposite direction. Iroegbunam made 12 Premier League appearances for Villa over three years after being signed from West Bromwich Albion, but was sacrificed to help the club comply with profit and sustainability rules.
Speaking about his Villa Park exit, he told the Liverpool Echo: "I didn't really get much of a chance or show my true self at Villa. Obviously there's frustration about not getting more chances at Villa but the game it's hard at times and there's nothing you can do about it, you've just got to take your opportunities when they come, and perhaps I didn't full take them with two hands. I knew if I did well in pre-season that there'd be an opportunity for me, so I guess I did do."
Hull City's Interest and Other Suitors
Hull City are one of several clubs monitoring Iroegbunam, who came close to leaving Everton in January. Newly-promoted Ipswich Town have also been credited with interest. The Birmingham-born midfielder has one year left on his deal at Everton, and it is not believed a sell-on fee was included in his transfer from Villa.
Iroegbunam's Career Stats and Background
Last season, Iroegbunam played 29 times in the Premier League for David Moyes' side, adding to 18 appearances from the previous campaign. Prior to his move to Merseyside, he played 12 times in the top flight for Villa and had fleeting experience in the Conference League with his hometown club. He also won the European Under-19 Championships with England.
Despite moving on from Villa after three seasons, Iroegbunam admitted it was not too difficult to depart due to leaving West Brom earlier in his career. "I was there three years (Villa), so it was part of my life, but I wouldn't say it was tough (to leave) because before that I was at West Brom. You're going to have to move, so you just get on with it. It happens in football."
