Aston Villa are on the verge of securing the services of Everton forward Lewis Dobbin, with the 21-year-old undergoing a medical today, as reported by transfer expert Fabrizio Romano. The move is part of a swap deal that will see Villa midfielder Tim Iroegbunam join the Toffees on a permanent basis.
🚨✅ Everton and Aston Villa complete both Tim Iroegbunam + Lewis Dobbin deals.
— Fabrizio Romano (@FabrizioRomano) June 21, 2024
Tim Iroegbunam joins Everton from Aston Villa on permanent deal, medical done yesterday.
Lewis Dobbin, joining Villa from Everton with medical today.
↪️ Documents to review then all done. pic.twitter.com/zzHuu1g2iY
Dobbin, hailed as an "outstanding" talent by his former Derby County manager Paul Warne, is poised to become Villa's latest acquisition in a busy summer transfer window. The Stoke-born forward, capable of playing across the entire front line, spent the previous season on loan at Derby, where he demonstrated his skill, pace, and clinical finishing, netting five goals and providing six assists in 54 appearances.
Villa manager Unai Emery is eager to add a traditional winger to his squad, and Dobbin perfectly fits the profile. The Spanish tactician believes that Villa's structured attacking system can help refine the young forward's decision-making and shape him into a top-class player. Dobbin is expected to provide depth to Villa's attacking options, especially with the club's return to the Champions League this season.
In exchange, Iroegbunam, a 20-year-old midfielder, has completed his medical at Everton and is set to join the Merseyside club on a permanent deal. The England Under-20 international, renowned for his composure and athleticism, is expected to add depth to Everton's midfield, vying for a place in Sean Dyche's starting line-up alongside the likes of Idrissa Gueye, James Garner, and Abdoulaye Doucoure.
The deal between Aston Villa and Everton exemplifies how clubs are navigating the profitability and sustainability rules (PSR) in the Premier League. By exchanging players, both clubs can balance their books and avoid breaching the spending regulations, with the sales of academy graduates like Dobbin and Iroegbunam representing pure profit in accounting terms.
Villa's summer transfer business extends beyond Dobbin, as the club is also close to finalising a player-plus-cash deal with Juventus for Douglas Luiz. The deal is expected to see Enzo Barrenechea and Samuel Iling-Junior join Villa, along with a fee of around £25 million.
Furthermore, the Villans are set to sign Chelsea's Ian Maatsen for a reported fee of over £35 million, with the left-back having impressed during his loan spell at Borussia Dortmund last season.
It will be fascinating to observe how other Premier League clubs navigate the PSR rules and whether more swap deals will be completed. For now, Aston Villa and Everton will be delighted to have secured two promising young talents who could play pivotal roles in their future success.