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Everton have drawn a clear line in the sand over the future of Tim Iroegbunam after rejecting an approach from Lazio for the 22-year-old midfielder, footynaija.com reports.
The Serie A side made contact in recent days, but their proposal was well below Everton’s valuation and never came close to opening serious negotiations, according to the Independent.
While the exact figures have not been made public, the Merseyside club are understood to believe the offer did not reflect either the player’s growing importance or the £10m they paid to sign him from Aston Villa in the summer of 2024.
Iroegbunam has quietly established himself as a useful option this season, featuring 17 times in the Premier League, with 11 of those appearances coming from the start, and adding two more outings in the League Cup. His role expanded notably during a period when Idrissa Gueye was sidelined by suspension and then away at the Africa Cup of Nations.
That run brought mixed reviews. There were impressive performances, particularly against Bournemouth and Arsenal, but also difficult moments, including the heavy home defeat by Newcastle. Even so, Everton staff believe the midfielder’s physical presence and ball-carrying ability give him a strong platform to build on.
With Everton yet to make a signing in this transfer window, there is an argument for raising funds to strengthen in attack. However, the club do not currently view Iroegbunam as an easy player to sacrifice.
🚨 Lazio are keen on a January deal to sign Everton’s 22-year-old English midfielder Tim Iroegbunam.
— Transfer News Live (@DeadlineDayLive) January 25, 2026
There is no official offer yet though.
(Source: @DiMarzio) pic.twitter.com/ei6i7rimgV
A graduate of the West Brom and Aston Villa academies, he spent the 2022–23 season on loan at QPR and has won the European Under-19 Championship with England. He remains eligible for Nigeria, and Super Eagles coach Eric Chelle is understood to be monitoring his progress.
Lazio could yet return with an improved offer, but for now Everton are determined to hold their ground.
