Everton midfielder Alex Iwobi signing a new contract would be ‘absolutely massive’ for the club, journalist Simon Phillips has informed GiveMeSport.

The 26-year-old has enjoyed an impressive start to the season under manager Frank Lampard and looks set to be rewarded for his efforts with a new deal over the coming days.

Everton news -Alex Iwobi

Last month, The Sun revealed that Iwobi is set to commit his future to Everton by penning a fresh three-and-a-half-year deal.

It was claimed that the new contract would see the Nigeria international’s earnings jump from £70,000-per-week to £100,000-per-week with his current deal set to expire in just 18 months.

And reliable journalist Fabrizio Romano recently backed those claims up on his Here We Go podcast, stating that only the ‘final details’ are left to be sorted.

“Alex Iwobi is set to sign a new deal with Everton. Soon [it] will happen, there are the final details to be sorted between all parties; it will be a deal until 2026. Iwobi is prepared to say yes to Everton.”

Iwobi initially struggled to impress at Everton after arriving in a £35 million deal back in 2019, but a switch from out wide to central midfield has transformed his fortunes.

What has Phillips said about Iwobi?

When asked by GMS how big a boost Iwobi signing a new deal would be, Phillips disclosed that he believes it will be ‘massive’ as he has been ‘colossal’ under Lampard.

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He said: “Absolutely massive. He's been colossal for them since Lampard came in, he's really stepped up, and he's really transformed his game.

“And I think that has been off the back of Lampard’s man management with him. He sees him as the go-to man on and off the field, and he’s been a very reliable player for Lampard.”

How well has Iwobi played this season?

Iwobi has arguably been Everton’s standout performer so far in 2022/23, registering one goal and six assists in 17 appearances across all competitions.

Five of those assists have come in the Premier League for the now box-to-box star, bettering his combined tally for his three previous top-flight campaigns while on Merseyside.

As per WhoScored, Iwobi has also averaged 1.8 key passes per league game this season, bettering all of his teammates’ tallies, while also producing 0.8 dribbles, the third-highest total amongst his colleagues.

It’s evident, therefore, that Iwobi is now a crucial cog in Everton’s setup under Lampard, and it will be welcomed relief if he does put pen to paper on fresh terms as expected.