OFFICIAL: Nigeria forward Alex Iwobi returns to London with Fulham

By Oyediji Oluwaseun Babatunde

English Premier League (EPL) side, Fulham FC has announced the signing of Alex Iwobi from Everton for an undisclosed fee.

Iwobi has agreed a deal with the London side until the 2028 summer on the brink of the transfer window closure.

Born in Lagos, Nigeria, Iwobi moved to England at a young age and was picked up by another London club, Arsenal as a six-year-old.

After moving up through the age groups, Iwobi got his first team debut in the League Cup with Arsene Wenger in charge at the beginning of the 2015/2016 season, with a Premier League bow following four days later in a 3-0 win at Swansea City.

The young Iwobi remained in the senior setup from thereon, making 21 appearances across all competitions – including in the Champions League – and registering four goal involvements (two goals and two assists) in his first three Premier League starts, as the Gunners finished as runners-up.

The next year was another productive one for player and club as they won the FA Cup, while in 2017/2018 they reached the League Cup Final and Europa League Semi-Finals.

Arsenal went one better the following season by making it to the Europa League Final. Iwobi was on target in the showpiece event in Baku, but they ended up falling to defeat by London rivals Chelsea.

That was Iwobi’s final appearance for the club, departing with a record of 15 goals and 25 assists in 149 appearances.

Fulham coach, Marco Silva brought him to Everton in a deal worth £35m.

During a difficult few years for the Toffees, Iwobi’s displays were one of the positives, particularly last season when his 10-goal involvements helped the club avoid relegation, and also saw him named Players’ Player of the Season.

The nephew of Nigeria icon Jay-Jay Okocha, Iwobi made his debut for the Super Eagles in 2015 and featured in all three of their matches at the 2018 World Cup.

He now has 63 caps for his national side and has scored 10 goals in that time.

Fulham will be Iwobi’s second London club after Arsenal FC and is expected to put up a good show to help the team achieve their lofty ambitions.