Lukaku's father expects his son to leave Everton soon

, 17 May, 302comments  |  Jump to most recent

Romelu Lukaku's father has been speaking about his son's future again, saying he expects the striker to leave Everton before the European Championships.

Lukaku Jr has been linked with a move away for much of the last few months since he made noises during the last international break about joining a Champions League club in time for next season.

The dismissal of Roberto Martinez as Everton manager last week and the potential for a new, potentially high profile replacement raised the possibility that the 23-year-old might stay at Goodison Park after all but Roger Lukaku feels he will move on in the next few weeks, with the Blues asking for around £65m.

“I hope and believe that Mino [Raiola] is fair and that he is acting in the best interest of the player," he told Humo in Belgium. "Now, with Romelu it will be quickly arranged. Whether the transfer has been sorted? Almost. I think it will be in place before the European Championship.

“He won't go to Italy, because they keep it closed at the back, too difficult for an attacker. What is certain — to continue to make progress, he needs to change clubs, but we are mainly engaged in making the right choice. ”

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Roger Lukaku: "Romelu will decide his future, but agents have the last word most of the time. I hope and I think Mino Raiola is an honest man."

Lukaku has been linked with Paris St Germain in recent days, possibly as a replacement for the departing Zlatan Ibrahimovic, another Raiola client, but his dad has restated his desire to see his son play at one of his two favourite European clubs, although only one of them will be playing Champions League football next season.

"At the moment, I think the clubs more suited [to him] are Bayern Munich or Manchester United," Roger continued. "Mainly Bayern because the club reaches the Champions League semi-finals at least every year and the Bundesliga is perfect for him."

 

Reader Comments (302)

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Steve Guy
1 Posted 17/05/2016 at 22:07:49
Nice fella.
Paul Jones
2 Posted 17/05/2016 at 22:09:28
What a pimp you are Roger!

If you were my dad I'd disown you. But if you were my mouthpiece I'd shake your hand.

Pretty sure which category that scum is in, mind...

Ian Bennett
3 Posted 17/05/2016 at 22:10:29
£60m upfront, not a penny under.
Stuart Gray
4 Posted 17/05/2016 at 22:15:37
Hope he stays, but if he goes I hope it's not to another premier league team
Bob Cumiskey
5 Posted 17/05/2016 at 22:16:31
Sick of all the speculation surrounding this guy.
No goals in 9, looks like he has given up and tired of seeing him with his arms in the air.
Let' get the right money for him and let him go; preferably abroad.
Anthony Burke
6 Posted 17/05/2016 at 22:17:46
If he goes, he will be a big loss... but, as they say, no player is bigger than the club. I pray he stays; if not, we need to show intent and spend £30/40 million on a replacement.
Colin Glassar
7 Posted 17/05/2016 at 22:18:18
£65m and bye
Derek Williams
8 Posted 17/05/2016 at 22:19:59
Yep, sorry Rog but your lad is under contract. So if he's away, we're in the box seat, not you. As Ian says, £60m and we'll think about it but whether any non-Italian Champions League team will want to pay £60m for him based on the last three months' performances is debatable. PSG seem most likely if big nose leaves them but £60m???? I think he might still be here next season, hope so if he gets his motivation back under the new boss.
Brian Williams
9 Posted 17/05/2016 at 22:20:07
Last time I checked he was still under contract so whether he goes or not aint up to Roger it's up to the club.
Tony Hill
10 Posted 17/05/2016 at 22:21:03
His performances over the last 10 games or so have been an utter disgrace. He was mainly responsible for us losing the semi-final. I have been a fan and his goalscoring record speaks for itself, but it is only part of the story and the rest is not impressive.

I will not be sorry to see him go, as now seems inevitable.

Derek Williams
11 Posted 17/05/2016 at 22:21:40
Great Williams minds think alike Brian!
Oscar Huglin
12 Posted 17/05/2016 at 22:26:58
Sounds like a twat.
Minik Hansen
13 Posted 17/05/2016 at 22:27:26
Thanks to Lukaku, we've not been lacking clinical finishing up front, good to feel it again. Now, the expectation of strikers at Everton is really high again. Onwards and upwards Evertonians, COYB.
Oliver Molloy
14 Posted 17/05/2016 at 22:27:46
He's entitled to his opinion, the problem for him is , Everton FC are in control not him.
So Mr Lukaku SHOW US THE MONEY.

Can't believe he said.....
"He won't go to Italy, because they keep it closed at the back, too difficult for an attacker. ”
Bang on, the defenders over there would have him in their pocket.

I think he knows he will be shite at the Euros and him and his agent are praying a move will happen before any interested clubs realise he is far from the finished article, as all Evertonians already know !

I would rather he stayed but if not - good riddance !

He likes the limelight does Lukuka's Father.

Jamie Crowley
15 Posted 17/05/2016 at 22:27:54
I think he's gone.

What's worse is I doubt we'll get a penny over 40 million.

He wants out and so does Stones I believe. Both are hunches with no concrete evidence other than one father blathering on about his kid moving - but it does seem inevitable to these eyes.

We'd better hustle up and hire a manager pretty damn quick as the number of exits this summer will be massive. We have to get a manager in stat.

Gerard Carey
16 Posted 17/05/2016 at 22:28:52
Still under contract, its up to Everton if they want to sell. And to who? PSV!? Maybe, the big two in Spain? I doubt it very much. He might not have too many options at the end of the day.
Gavin Johnson
17 Posted 17/05/2016 at 22:29:01
I got over and accepted this weeks ago. I really don't care if Rom or Stones leave now as long as we get top dollar for them.

Sell Rom for £56m minimum. I think we could have got more a couple of months back but he's made a serious effort to play within himself to put the fee down by the looks of things.

Buy Milik from Ajax for £15m and Michy Batshuayi for £15-20m. Sorted!

Tony Abrahams
18 Posted 17/05/2016 at 22:29:24
Seems to me that it must be PSG, Stuart. Hope it gets done sooner, rather than later. Definitely miss his goals, but won't really miss his work rate.

Shutting my eyes to think, and genuinely can't remember that many games, where this kid was Motm. I hope he goes to PSG, purely because I think they will pay us the most money, and I will wish him well for the future.

Paul Smith
19 Posted 17/05/2016 at 22:29:41
If Lukaku goes and we get £60m plus I think thats a good deal but theres very few clubs out there that can pay that money who would want him in my opinion.
In England theres probably only United who would want and afford him. I could see PSG being in for him but not Real Madrid or Bayern so it could all depend on whose managing those clubs next season. It wouldn't surprise me if he is still here next season as nobody wants him at the quoted price unless he has a stormer at the euros.
If he goes we need to find 2 top class forwards, I would go for Batsuyi and inaki williams
Brian Williams
20 Posted 17/05/2016 at 22:32:21
Derek. That's right.
It's been a fact that seems to have been overlooked time and time again on here. He's got two years (I think) left on his contract which means (to me anyway) that he can't just arrange his own transfer. As I say all this "I think he'll be gone" pisses me off a bit. He should only "be gone" if we want him gone!!
Colin Glassar
21 Posted 17/05/2016 at 22:32:59
Batsuyahi will cost over £30m Gavin. Lyons have just turned down an offer from WHU of over £30m for Lacazette. That's the going rate for decent strikers these days. Rom is worth twice that at least.
James Watts
22 Posted 17/05/2016 at 22:33:01
Quicker he goes the better, completely agree Roger. Your son is over rated, lazy and has a big mouth too. Ah, you didn't mention that bit though did you?

50 million and I would be ripping off their hand ... arm ... and shoulder. Who ever they are.

P.S. Roger, can we interest you in someone to clean his boots? This lad from Senegal I know is phenomenal ....

Gavin Johnson
23 Posted 17/05/2016 at 22:35:26
Jamie, he's on a long term contract. I can't see us entertaining bids of £40m, whatever he or his dad says. He'll have to do a Suarez and get his head down, get on with it, and score more goals next season.
Brian Williams
24 Posted 17/05/2016 at 22:38:58
Said on another thread that Batshuayi would be the perfect replacement. Him and another speedy light footed striker instead of just the one big number nine up front alone would be good in my book.


Ste Traverse
25 Posted 17/05/2016 at 22:39:17
What a prick this bloke sounds. We know exactly where our club stands in the food chain, but this guys attitude towards us stinks.

Lukaku is under contract for another 3 years so let's piss his arl fella off by holding him to it for another season at least.

Phil Davies
26 Posted 17/05/2016 at 22:40:46
I read "He won't go to Italy, because they keep it closed at the back, too difficult for an attacker." as "My son's not good enough to play in Italy."

He's a great player but he is a confidence player and Martinez's style clearly didn't suit him. A new manager needs to be the one deciding who's coming and going not an agent, Parent or Board member.

Tony Hill
27 Posted 17/05/2016 at 22:42:46
Gavin, Lukaku is not a Suarez. He obviously plays only when he wants to play and he has made it clear through his actions that he doesn't want to play for us.

We cannot afford someone like that in the ranks when we want to re-build and make a new start. We will get a decent price now, we may not after another half-arsed season.

Jamie Crowley
28 Posted 17/05/2016 at 22:45:05
I hear you Gavin, but after this last season and with a new regime coming in wouldn't it be better for all parties involved to turn the page and start a new era?

And if that's the case, why keep a player who doesn't want to be here. A step further... there's no way on earth we'll ever get 60 million for him. I just don't see it.

We need a fresh start. Even if it's 40 or 45 million just take it, get in a player the new manager believes in, and move forward.

Mind you, I'm the fella who wanted Roberto badly three years ago and held on to the hope he'd turn the ship around until the beginning of April!

Humbling experience, that...

Paul Birmingham
29 Posted 17/05/2016 at 22:45:57
Be careful what you wish for, etc. Facts say that for over a quarter of this last campaign, Rom has been firing blanks... and has shown little stomach for a battle. Likewise so has the rest of the squad during the worst campaign in EFCs modern era.

In my view he's never gonna be the Gerd Muller or Suarez, but potential he has but a long way short in my book. He'll use the reason of the poor last season, but if he wants out, charge top dollar. It will be interesting who and what bids will be made, but his awl fella, is being delusional.

Another big pay day perhaps... Is he better than when he came? yes, is he as good as he believes? Deffo no, can he improve, yes he can, but he's under contract. If he gets injured or has a blighted Euro, cometh preseason training, he will be back... Top Dollar plus any strings and no less. Moshiri will want to make a point if he does go...

Jim Bennings
30 Posted 17/05/2016 at 22:47:23
Sell him for serious good money but for Christ sake don't waste the cash on another unknown quantity with no experience of a top league.
Peter Mills
31 Posted 17/05/2016 at 22:50:37
I share the views of many that he has a poor attitude, he moans far too much, and his dad is objectionable

But he is a superb (if frustrating) young (just 23) centre forward, his goals record for his age is up with the very best (as in Messi, Ronaldo), and he is smart enough to become one of the very best. Fine, let's sell him for a load of money, but I fear we will miss him hugely.

Terry White
32 Posted 17/05/2016 at 22:54:40
Peter (#31) as always you just talk too much sense.
Dennis Stevens
33 Posted 17/05/2016 at 22:59:14
Curiously enough, if you take away Lukaku's goals this season, these are the surprisingly few matches where they made a difference :

Wed Aug 26 2015 LC 2 A Barnsley W 5 – 3 ;
Mon Sep 28 2015 Prem A West Brom W 3 – 2 ;
Sun Oct 4 2015 Prem H Liverpool D 1 – 1 ;
Sat Nov 7 2015 Prem A West Ham D 1 – 1 ;
Sat Nov 28 2015 Prem A Bournemouth D 3 – 3 ;
Mon Dec 7 2015 Prem H Crystal Palace D 1 – 1 ;
Sat Dec 12 2015 Prem A Norwich D 1 – 1 ;
Wed Jan 6 2016 LC SF:1 H Man City W 2 – 1 ;
Sat Mar 12 2016 FAC QF H Chelsea W 2 – 0 .

I appreciate it's very simplistic & doesn't tell the whole story, of course.

Gavin Johnson
34 Posted 17/05/2016 at 23:06:18
Colin, that's pretty steep. I know Marseille paid 6m for Batshuayi so I would have thought 20m max would do the deal. I wouldn't have put him in the class of Lacazette yet, but if Lyon are wanting more than £30m, you're probably right. Marseille will be asking for similar money.

Did you see the report that Berahino could be Rom's replacement? Obviously BS but he's another one who's sulked all season (Rom is not on that level of spitting his dummy out, yet) but I see that the reports reckon £12m could do the deal for Berahino. Shows how he's damaged his reputation if newspapers are touting the fee as that low.

Tony & Jamie, I can understand your scepticism and looking at the case of Berahino it shows the risk of keeping an unhappy player. But I don't think Lukaku will be sold for a penny less than £50m. He'll probably go to PSG and they'll happily pay the money we're asking. Rom's goal record his world class for his age. He's up there with the best.

I think £56m double bubble is a very fair price for Rom. How much did City pay for Raheem Sterling last season?!

John Aldridge
35 Posted 17/05/2016 at 23:07:24
£65M? Thankyou, pleasure doing business with you.

Hasn't looked bothered for months. Believes his own press far too much "worthy of a Champions League club" - not with that first touch you're not. Nobody is bigger than the club, off you go.

John Daley
37 Posted 17/05/2016 at 23:08:30
"He won't go to Italy, because they keep it closed at the back, too difficult for an attacker. What is certain — to continue to make progress, he needs to change clubs"

So you only want your son to make partial progress then? It'll be ideal if he can just improve a little bit. No need to get carried away and try to get to a level where you can knock them in against defenders who know how to do their fucking job? Tell him to get himself over to China or Russia then, Rog.

To be honest, despite his goal return this season, I really couldn't give a shit if Romelu sticks around or not. I've thought for a while now (at least 18 months) that a different kind of forward could go some way to solving the 'slow to a crawl when we get to the half-way line' style of play we've witnessed so often the last couple of seasons.

A player with pace and clever movement, who knows how to stretch a defence, move into space and show for the ball, rather than simply strolling around the same area just in front of the centre-half all game.

Someone who can kill a ball instinctively and then actually keep hold of it, instead of it cannoning off him with a thud like that fat arsed turtle some twat of a seagull aimed at Aeschylus's head.

Someone who, at the slightest sniff of a chance, will throw his entire body at the ball rather than just stand there and lazily stick out a leg like a skinny dipping Dale Winton plonking his...err..'pinkie' in to see if the water's pissing cold.

If it were up to me I'd give Rog his fondest wish, flog his son for an overinflated fee before the Euro's (as I certainly don't see him or Belgium catching fire) and then look to buy someone like Lacazette for less than half the price.

Paul Thompson
38 Posted 17/05/2016 at 23:13:25
The best striker we've had for ages, but he left Everton some time ago.
John Daley
39 Posted 17/05/2016 at 23:17:26
"Lyons have just turned down an offer from WHU of over £30m for Lacazette."

Wasn't aware of that until you mentioned it Colin. Strange, seen as though they supposedly accepted a £22m offer from Newcastle in January.

Ian Riley
40 Posted 17/05/2016 at 23:19:05
You can go for £60 million, no less. No offer's, going nowhere. Tell daddy to shut up. I would Keep him. Let him run out his contract. A striker whom scores 20 plus goals a season are hard to find. A better manager will get more goals out of him! He is only 22 years old.
Phil Rodgers
41 Posted 17/05/2016 at 23:25:38
Why do people have to act like this?

Surely it can be done quietly behind closed doors without showing Everton zero respect.

I fucking hate football.

David Hallwood
42 Posted 17/05/2016 at 23:30:38
There's a touch of amateur night in Rom's dad & his 'super' agent Mino Raiola. Even though all football agents are pimps, none is as Dell Boy and vociferous as these two, as opposed to the overwhelming majority of agents, like all good business people working quietly behind the scenes.

Not this pair of clowns.... 'Our boy' needs a move to a 'big club' because we both get loadsamoney...er no that should read he needs to develop his career by playing against top players.....as long as they're not Italian because, well they're just a little too top!!

The new manager needs to sort this ASAP:-Rom do you want to stay? if the answers no try a do a David Luiz type mugging on PSG. so he can score 50 squillion goals in a weak French league.

It must be remembered that Everton finished mid table and even allowing for delusional Bob, maybe this squad isn't as good as everyone has painted them.

Garry Corgan
43 Posted 17/05/2016 at 23:39:49
I'm pretty sure if my dad made public comments like this about me I'd be on my manager's office first thing Monday morning, and Lukaku should be no different.

I hope that the Everton hierarchy have a bit of a nasty streak and say, yes, we will sell you - but only abroad.

With money in our pockets and a squad that should be capable of challenging the top six, I see no reason to sell to our rivals - be it Chelsea, United or whomever.

Gerry Quinn
44 Posted 17/05/2016 at 23:46:23
Paul, 38, nail on the head - he left Everton ages ago. I am still NOT impressed with his so called ball control and his passing is crap. Sell him - neither he nor I am interested in him staying!
Brian Porter
45 Posted 17/05/2016 at 23:47:55
The man's a joke. If one of my employee's dads had come into my office demanding a promotion/transfer to another branch or whatever I'd have politely shown him out, had his precious little boy in next and told him to tell his,dad to shut up and that he was going nowhere unless I said so, reminding him he was under contract to us and basically to bog off as your dad has just ruined it for you.
Make him stay and play out his contract in the U21s if his form doesn't improve. At present I can't see any 'big' CL clubs wanting him after the way he's played since January.
Les Martin
46 Posted 17/05/2016 at 23:50:23
It's down to us where he goes as the fee has to be right. But it down to the player if he wants to play for us, players who don't want to play for you leave, history shows that. I have always thought and posted PSG as his likely destination, as long as its not another Premier league club.

A good striker but there are others out there who can "knock them in" .Its a big selling job to get potential replacements for the new gaffer with no European football on the menu. A very interesting summer awaits, with the Euros not helping matters with transfer dealings, we could be in a mess and vastly undermanned for the new start.
Darryl Ritchie
47 Posted 17/05/2016 at 23:58:33
He doesn't want to be here. He hasn't wanted to be here for ages. Maybe he shouldn't be here. Sell him for the best price possible, and reload.
Minik Hansen
48 Posted 17/05/2016 at 23:59:33
Keep Lukaku and beem in Higuain! A quality midfielder and a winger and Lukaku will be happy to stick around!
James Flynn
49 Posted 17/05/2016 at 00:02:55
The key to me regarding Lukaku is that Martinez is gone, not the "Dad living his dream thru his son" as we have here.

Let's see who our next manager is. That's the key.

For OFM to have such a weapon and leave him isolated game after game is what held Romulu back. Not playing for Everton Football Club.

As mentioned, he's under contract. And guys who can put it in the net, as he has, aren't just sitting around waiting to be discovered.

So, we don't have to sell his contract. I'm not convinced he's determined to leave (Unlike Stones' transfer request).

He needs to be featured. Shocking that OFM didn't set up the attack to suit. Open stupidity, really.

Let's get the new guy in and see how it plays out.

Francis Gibson
50 Posted 18/05/2016 at 00:04:20
"I hope and I think Mino Raiola is an honest man."

Good luck with that, Rog.

Gordon Crawford
51 Posted 18/05/2016 at 00:10:54
Please just sell him. As others have said, he left Everton ages ago.

£65 million is a good start.
Dick Fearon
52 Posted 18/05/2016 at 00:21:45
Just heard the Manure v Cherries commentators discussing the possibility of Maureen taking over at PSG.

The special one does not rate our Romelu all that highly.
Paul Baker
53 Posted 18/05/2016 at 00:29:39
Let's quickly analyse all European top clubs:
- Man Utd - no Champions League
- Chelsea - above plus bad memories
- Man City - won't start over Aguero, Guardiola prefers a diffrerent kind of a striker
- Bayern - Lewandowski and Muller are two classes above Rom and in their prime
- Barcelona - won't start over Messi, Neymar & Suarez
- Atletico - doesn't suit their system
- Juventus - Italy switch doubtful

That's it. For me then, it's either PSG, Real Madrid (quite doubtful as well) for Rom or he's staying put.

John Daley
54 Posted 18/05/2016 at 00:41:31
"A quality midfielder and a winger and Lukaku will be happy to stick around!"

Minik,

I don't know if the exclamation mark was intended to indicate you're taking the piss or whether it's just something you do instinctively, the way the Fonz tended to end a sentence with "Eyyyyyyyyy" and a totally unnecessary thumbs up. If the first, fair enough. If the second, what evidence is there at all that Lukaku would be perfectly happy to keep his arse parked if we coud just pick up a couple of better players? In all the repeated interviews in which he, his agent, his old man, his old mans badmington buddy and the lad he bought a leg of lamb off from the butchery aisle at Morrisons, have let it be known that Lukaku is agitating for a move onward and upwards, where has it ever been suggested his ambition could be sated if Everton simply signed a few big names?

It's been said often enough that Lukaku see's himself as being ready for Champions League football right now and feels he's done enough to deserve Champions League football right now. He's not going to wait around to see if Everton can catch up. Nor is it going to make a blind bit of difference who we buy to play on the wing.

"No, no, I'm going. You can't stop me. I don't care what you say. Let go of my arm. Let go of my arm. Let...go...of..my...arm. Look, it's not you it's me. Stop crying. It's better this way. We both need to move on. I'll send my dad round to pick up my stuff in a few days, ok? Farewell and....wait a minute....WAIT A GODDAMN MINUTE....Is that fucking Nani??? Now we're talking. Why did nobody tell me about this? I'm going nowhere."

Nick Entwistle
55 Posted 18/05/2016 at 00:45:26
Aww Dad, stop talking about me will ya? Sooo embarrassing!

Lukaku is better than Bony but the same in as much against a parked bus he will go missing. Top clubs do not want that in their main striker so, unless he's happy to be a bench warmer...

Ernie Baywood
56 Posted 18/05/2016 at 00:49:30
Yes he's been poor over the last few months but we've been here before haven't we?

Every player was hindered under Martinez. Their effort wasn't up to scratch but could you imagine turning up to work for that bloke every day? If it was just Rom you could justifiably blame him, but when it's every player you have to look at the cause.

When we move it quick he's exceptional. There's absolutely no chance we would be able to replace him with someone with comparable quality. Don't forget he scored 11 in 11 league games back in the early part of the season when we weren't quite so shite. His goal record to date is right in the top bracket for young forwards and he creates too.

We've improved and developed this lad and it would be a shame to see him go now. But football being what it is I guess we'll just have to hold out for a huge fee. 60M doesn't feel big enough to me.

Frank McGregor
57 Posted 18/05/2016 at 01:51:17
I honestly believe Lukaku if he stays will be a disruptive influence in the dressing room and believe it is in the best interest of Everton football club to get the best price possible as soon as possible and start building a team that all the players want to play for.

My experience in coaching tells me to get shut even though according to many he will be missed.

Jim Hardin
59 Posted 18/05/2016 at 02:08:57
Might I suggest that if it is decided Lukaku is going that a certain Mr. Bony would maybe be available for sale, or maybe even a loan, given his dreadful misuse by his current club? Can hold up play and take on attackers. Not the same goal ratio of Lukaku but was special before disappearing into the squad and under-used substitutes' bench this season.
Peter Fitzpatrick
60 Posted 18/05/2016 at 02:37:43
If Rom stays or not, I wouldn't mind seeing us bring in a pacy striker who stretches the game like Radzinski or Andy Johnson used to - but better obviously.
Brian Wilkinson
61 Posted 18/05/2016 at 03:24:23
Cash in now if we can get close to the £65 million, let him bench warm at a top club, then buy him back at a much lesser price.
Kieran Kinsella
62 Posted 18/05/2016 at 03:39:59
Nicolas Anelka II. That plonker was impatient at PSG so forced a move to Arsenal. Few years at Arsenal and his brothers all over the news agitating for a move to a big team. Didn't pan out at Madrid but then he was all about returning to the team he supported PSG. The young man never quite reached the level people thought he would and spells at Bolton, Fenerbache and a team near Tranmere followed. Lukakus following a similar path if you switch PSG for Chelsea, Everton for Arsenal and his Dad for a brother. I do think he will have a decent career but like Anelka I think a combination of limitations and attitude will prevent him from becoming the best of the best. If he goes, I hope we buy a finished product rather than another promising player as we don't want a repeat of this situation two years down the line. I'd go for Giroud. The press say Wenger has only 50 million to spend and will have to sell to buy after buying one "star." Girouds got a good PL pedigree but he's received more flak than he deserves so Wenger might be tempted with 20 million.
Keith Harrison
63 Posted 18/05/2016 at 03:53:22
Noises are him and Stones will be going. Should add £100 mill to the war chest to buy a defender who can defend, and an attacker who can naturally put the ball in the net, strengthening the team overall.
Lukaku misses loads of chances, shins the ball a lot, and Stones has given a lot more goals away than perceived through pissing about with it at the back. His positional sense is awful, and must be nearly a goal a game culpability.
Kieran Kinsella
64 Posted 18/05/2016 at 04:00:49
Bollocks to Lukaku, what are we doing to tie Davies down?
Jay Harris
65 Posted 18/05/2016 at 04:31:29
Cant understand the fuss over a very limited player.

For his size his heading ability is a disgrace.

His touch, ball control and movement when not in posession is average at best.

He has scored a lot of goals for his age but look what happened to his goal ration when we stopped being gung-ho and defended a bit more.

He like his fellow Belgians is always talking up his status and where he should be.

If any CL club offers 50+m I would bite their hands off because he is certainly no Aguerro nor Suarez.

Derek Thomas
66 Posted 18/05/2016 at 04:37:27
The Jose thing should be sorted for good or ill by 23rd and soon after our Manager might be known...or even before. Euro Group stages end 23th June - Final 10th July - Prem 13th Aug - End of Window 31st Aug?.

A lot to do and plenty of 'dead euro days' to possibly get in the way.

(I hear we've a provisional booking on the Ainsdale sand hills too)

James Byrne
67 Posted 18/05/2016 at 04:48:44
I won't lose sleep if we end up selling Lukaku; his first touch is still bollocks and he's nowhere near the complete striker his father might think he is. Although in fairly average leagues such as Germany or France he will score goals and get by.

I'm just glad we have Moshiri in our corner taking care of business and not bungling Bill. Moshiri won't be taken for a fool by agents or the media and he'll get the best deal for Everton. Times are changing!

Anto Byrne
68 Posted 18/05/2016 at 05:04:28
We have a centre forward who can score goals. Like most of his team mates they couldn't be arsed playing for Martinez. He is not the lone striker and when we play a more direct game other teams shit themselves. We owe Chelsea 29 mil so anything we get will have to compensate the club for his development. When on song he is unplayable. Let's see who comes in for him. If Mourhino takes over at Utd will he go there? Will utd cough up 60mil. ?Don't they have Radhford and Martial ?

Will Conte want Stones ? Its all speculation so lets see who comes in and stumps up the money. Stones is not even first choice for England. Lets see who we get as Manager that may change how we proceed in the transfer market. One thing is for sure Carrick and Nani won't be coming here.
Steve Carter
69 Posted 18/05/2016 at 05:16:30
Agree with Jay (65) and James (67). If an offer comes in anything near the 65K some have suggested, I'd be gnawing on the offeror right up to the shoulder joint, if I were Mr Moshiri.
Kev Johnson
70 Posted 18/05/2016 at 06:14:55
He was the difference in the semi-final; he had four or five chances, didn't take one of them.

Sell him to the highest bidder, in Europe; good riddance, Rom. You only showed up when you wanted to.

Charlie Lloyd
72 Posted 18/05/2016 at 06:30:26
Lukaku has an excellent goal ratio but take the goals from his game and he contributes little so when he hits a barren spell he is ineffective. Whether top teams will accept his deficiencies and take a punt we will be finding out soon.

I'd like us to get a minimum of £56 so we need hard negotiating there.

A replacement. I think getting a top finished article in is going to be difficult due to our last two seasons. I expect it to be a player like Bony who has struggled a bit at a club with other top strikers or an emerging talent. With the extra money floating around the PL we can expect to be quoted high prices so £56 million is not going to go far.

Guy Hastings
73 Posted 18/05/2016 at 06:38:49
Aah, poor thing - Italian defences are too tough for his little Rom. Fill your boots in the French league, son. That will show what a class player you are. Even Brett Angel would fancy his chances over there.
Andy Meighan
74 Posted 18/05/2016 at 06:41:39
Let's hang fire and see what club Martinez gets next... he might pay £100 million for him!!!

I can't wait to see the back of the lazy disinterested overrated fucker... and his bellend of a father as well. £65 mill??? I can't really see it myself.

Murugan Chadayan
75 Posted 18/05/2016 at 06:43:53
The sooner he leaves, the better for the whole team.
Duncan McDine
76 Posted 18/05/2016 at 06:45:23
Its been very clear for most of the season that he'd be off in the summer.

I would think he'd fit in nicely with the mercenaries in Paris... I also think he'll struggle wherever he goes. We're talking about £60m for a young Wildred Bony. Snap their hands off.

Oh, and as for his Dad.... What a gentleman!

Peter McCann
77 Posted 18/05/2016 at 07:02:03
Hopefullu Bayern were not watching him at Wembley. Two terrible first touches in the first half when in on goal cost us dearly then ignoring Cleverley who would have scored. Second half missed penalty again when Baines should have taken it again totally selfish.

Overall contribution to game nil other than coming top of the moaning at team mates stats. Selfish lazy self centred . When Rooney left I felt gutted beyond belief. If this fella goals provided that we get good money for him I won't be bothered.
Matthew Svatos
78 Posted 18/05/2016 at 07:04:01
If he doesn't want to be here, we don't want him. Simple as that. We can easily almost double our money on him so pretty good end result. Bit of a left field suggestion, but why not throw a huge chunk of that at Rashford from United. There's a good chance he'll fall down the pecking order a bit if they splash the cash in the summer (which they will, let's be honest). Huge amounts of potential, young, and has a good worth ethic (which a certain Belgian does not).
Mark Dunford
79 Posted 18/05/2016 at 07:05:51
Agree it has seemed sadly inevitable for a while now. A real shame. A genuinely talented forward who never quite seemed to be as good as his exceptional promise. Having said that, Everton rarely played to his transparent strengths and the really breathtaking goals he scored came when the ball was in front of him and he used his strength and ability to create something really special - Arsenal in hist first season and Chelsea in the cup this year. His bravery when he scored at West Ham in one of his first appearances was on a par with Andy Gray. Don't forget he scored 20 goals a year for past two years and this will be very, very difficult to replace. He has also been an exceptional ambassador for the club - bright, articulate and rarely in trouble on the pitch. Pity he seems to be leaving and - as Jags - pointed out yesterday, it starkly shows the weakness in the squad and the problems ahead - there is currently no plausible alternative or deputy. Kone is way past his best, largely because of the injuries (I presume) and it seems to be that we should cut our losses on the mythical Nessy.
Jim Bailey
80 Posted 18/05/2016 at 07:06:09
See ya, Rom.
Rick Pattinson
81 Posted 18/05/2016 at 07:11:39
Anything over £45 million I'd snap their hands off....yes he's 22 yes he can score goals...but he's a mercenary...and how many times do we think 'lazybastard'?? Always will be...get rid...we've made a profit regardless..can't build a team around someone who has no heart in the club...we were a stepping stone from day one
James Byrne
82 Posted 18/05/2016 at 07:12:02
Charlie #72........Lukaku has an excellent goal ratio!

Does he really have an excellent goal ratio? I don't think he does for a striker who is being muted to be worth £60M.

He scored 18 PL goals (not interested in cup games). For the chances he had that figure should be closer to 30 league goals. If he was worth £60M we would have been 2 up during the FA Cup semi final within 15 minutes?

Dan Aspinall
83 Posted 18/05/2016 at 07:20:54
@60 – I reckon we could do with a couple of players who can unlock defences. I'm thinking John Oster and Idan Tal.

If we do sell Lukaku, I'd do it before the Euros if possible. If his form carries through to the tournament, his value will nosedive.

Most people don't watch our games or pay attention (which is probably why Martinez could last so long and his demise was such a shock to lots of non-blues who couldn't understand our wrath) so all they see is his goal stats and remember the odd boss goal from Match of the Day.

Hopefully his Brian Deanesque form of late has gone unnoticed...

Jason Barker
84 Posted 18/05/2016 at 07:21:57
He can bugger off for me. A Billy big time who can't trap a bag of sand.
Sam Hoare
85 Posted 18/05/2016 at 07:28:01
Surely the best striker we've had here in over a decade if not a while longer. His bulk prevents him from being the run everywhere type player that Vardy is but he scored a lot of goals AND clocked quite a few assists, more than a certain Harry Kane at any rate.

His sound bites are annoying and his touch questionable but we will miss him if he leaves as regular 20 goal a season strikers are very hard to find. Money is no guarantee we will replace him, just look what near £15m got us in Niasse.

I think his poor end to the season might yet mean that the top clubs are unwilling to pay what we are asking for (surely £55m+) and that we get one more season out of the lad to show us (and the world) what he can do when fit and motivated in a team that use him right.

James Byrne
86 Posted 18/05/2016 at 07:38:36
Sam #85, I agree; I'd like the lad to stay and get reinvented under a new top manager and a fresh, fitter and hungry team of players.

He needs to have a rethink and tell his Dad to shut the fuck up!

Andrew Clare
87 Posted 18/05/2016 at 07:40:32
Get a good manager and he will be forgotten. Grossly over rated as we will see by the low bidding for him.Stones is also over rated though admittedly classy with the ball but very error prone defensively.
I agree it is important to get a manager in soon as there will be a lot of transfer activity in the summer.
We could be in for a tremendous future if things pan out with the new manager and the new stadium. I like the Velodrome design. That would look fantastic on the waterfront lit up at night and it would overshadow our neighbours.
Arild Andersen
88 Posted 18/05/2016 at 07:47:55
If, or when, Lukaku goes, I'd like Giroud. Has PL experience and is underrated IMO. But what Rom really needs is some competition, or 4-4-2. A fast footed strike partner who could stretch the defence a bit - that Mirallas guy seems pretty decent, could be worth a try?
Jay Woods
89 Posted 18/05/2016 at 07:48:05
Please, Lukaku, just go. You're nowhere near the player you think you are.
Colin Glassar
90 Posted 18/05/2016 at 07:54:12
So according to the lazy journos, just cos Lukaku's dad wants his son to play for a CL team, in a league where they don't defend, it's become a fait acompli that he will move to whichever club wants him.

Their inability to discern between a fathers wishes and cold facts (he's under contract) doesn't stop them from publishing any old shite and I think they have been well and truly rogered on this one.

Antony Matthews
91 Posted 18/05/2016 at 08:02:30
£55m for a striker who can't take penalties confidently? Snatch their hand off !
Rob Hooton
92 Posted 18/05/2016 at 08:05:36
Thought Lukaku went in January? His father and agents are twats and Rom himself is overrated (especially by himself). Can't see anyone paying more than £40m as he's such a lazy arse.

PSG might be the only mugs we can offload him to and he would do well in a crap league with no challengers. As he wants CL footy his recent performances might get him in the FC Basel or Olympiakos teams

Denis Richardson
93 Posted 18/05/2016 at 08:06:50
Dad wants his son to join a 'big' CL club but doesn't want him to go to Italy 'cos the defenders are too good. Mm, so would that not imply he's not yet actually good enough for a 'big' CL side?

We won't be seeing Rom in an Everton shirt again but I also cannot imagine any club in the world offering anywhere near the rumoured 65m the club values him at. That's just silly money and not far off Ronaldo and Bale territory.

If we get anything over 40m id be happy. The prem may have silly money but the rest of Europe doesn't and the few clubs that could pay 65m won't shell that out for Lukaku (unless their manager is LVG).

Steve Brown
94 Posted 18/05/2016 at 08:11:30
The sequence seems to be 1) daddy talks to journos 2) shyster agent talls to journos 3) Rom does insincere I am flattered and I want to play CL interview on camera. Stage one down so let's wait excitedly for the next stage.

My guess is that we want to double our money if we sell him. Plus with three years left on his contract we are not under pressure. At that price there wont be many takers either.

Martin Swindley
95 Posted 18/05/2016 at 08:22:21
I've heard for some time now that everything is already agreed with PSG for Lukaku. He would love it as the main man in a rubbish league! So much for ambition and professional development...
Ben Mackenzie
96 Posted 18/05/2016 at 08:22:26
I wish he'd just fuck off and quick. A very frustrating player to watch. Has me pulling my hair out regularly. Scores goals sometimes, sometimes not. Rarely controls a football played into him at pace. Rarely passes to a team mate. General demeanour is shocking. Can't stand him personally. Waving arms everywhere, too slow to get back onside. Doesn't try hard enough. The only CL clubs that would want him, couldn't afford him. I fear we may be stuck with him.
Martin Swindley
97 Posted 18/05/2016 at 08:26:30
Are we all too naïve to believe they Lukaku has a Champions League team release clause in his contract? His agent isn't soft and as a last-minute signing, we would have agreed to anything he wanted.
Christopher Dover
98 Posted 18/05/2016 at 08:29:18
Read most of the posts but did not see anything that we bought Lukaku on the drip, if so how much is still owing from the £28+ million paid for him as whatever it is this reduces the spare money to buy elsewhere, also when Stones was about to leave many said there is a large slice would go to his former club as per the contract.

It is ironic that Martinez was praised for his buying Lukaku and bringing Stones into the team, yet it his very tactics that will make both want out.

My opinion is if they want away sell to highest bidder even though both could be made to stay as have length left in there contracts.
This surely one for the new manager.

Eddie Dunn
99 Posted 18/05/2016 at 08:31:25
If Lukaku had kept trying and worked hard ,he could have ended up the league's leading scorer and have an FA Cup winner's medal under his bed.
Then he could have picked any club for his future, but like others here, I really don't care if he stays, as long as we get good money.
His style slows us down, and his lumpen presence in the box is easy to defend against. He has failed to maintain his early season form and any future employers will surely be perplexed at his attitude.
James Hughes
100 Posted 18/05/2016 at 08:32:58
If any club was watching the semi-final against Manure when he missed chance after chance we will be lucky to get enough for a round of drinks. Maybe his dad can get them in
Mike Green
101 Posted 18/05/2016 at 08:41:56
I would bite any hand holding £50m or more off. There's no point having him here if he doesn't want to stay (which he clearly doesn't). Get Mourinho in, he'll sell him, no problem.
Phil Head
102 Posted 18/05/2016 at 08:44:04
Anyone believing he will be here next season is living in cloud cuckoo land. We're talking about a club that has a long history of selling their best players to rivals within the same league. We're also talking about a club that fires their managers without having the blindest idea who to replace them with. This club is the most embarrassing organisation I've ever come across in my life.

Managers aside, I've never known one single person working for, or associated with the club to ever be made accountable for their actions. This in turn opens up the club to mockery from the media, opposition fans and even, as we've experienced this season, it's own players.

As I've stated many times before, John Stones should have spent half the season in the stands for his actions last summer; Lukaku and Mirallas should have been fined 2 weeks wages months ago for bringing the club into disrepute and warned over their future actions or in Lukaku's case, the actions of his father.

The message should be very clear: we didn't hold a gun to your head when YOU signed a 5-year contract with us, so whilst in the midst of that contract, WE'LL dictate whether or not you leave this club and if you have a problem with this, you should have thought about this when you negotiated the contract in the first place.

Contrary to regular belief, legally and morally, all the power lies with the Football Clubs, not the players. Just look at who is portrayed as the bad person in the Berahino/West Brom saga, or the Wayne Rooney/Man United one a couple of seasons back. Football clubs have the potential to finish players' careers or at least scare the player enough to realise that could be the case. This nicey nicey approach this club has practiced for as long as I can remember, has turned this club into a laughing stock, one completely disregarded by players, coaches, parents, the media and worst of all, even it's own fans!

The message to Lukaku... WE will sell you, IF we feel inclined to do so, IF we receive a bid that reflects your value and IF the club in question is not in direct competition with ourselves. Now get your agent to earn his money and find a club that fits that criteria if you're that desperate to leave. If not, shut up and do your job!

Andrew Ellams
103 Posted 18/05/2016 at 08:50:54
I think £31million is the fee that Lyon turned down for Lacazette.

But still £100million+ for Lukaku and Stones should go along way to us securing Lacazette, Embolo, Yarmalenko as a pretty tasty front three and a big bastard of a centre half. Mr Moshiri's money could be used to buy a top keeper and pad out the squad a bit.

It's dead easy this football game, I'm not sure what everybody is moaning about.

John Hughes
104 Posted 18/05/2016 at 08:53:28
Christopher (90). The original deal was £25m, rising to a potential £28 depending on various clauses. The agreement was that the basic £25m would be paid by Everton over a five year period.
Nicky Styles
105 Posted 18/05/2016 at 08:56:21
So do not care. Completely overrated. Awful first touch and when we really needed him to repay his E35million worth against the Mancs last month he spurned chance after chance.
I've said it before on here and I will say it again: We paid more for golden boy here than LFC paid for Suarez!
Now that we have a bit more (a lot more actually) financial muscle I'd be more than happy to flog this mercenary to any club mad enough to pay over 25 for him.
Champions' League Rom? You really are havin a laff!
Ray Robinson
106 Posted 18/05/2016 at 08:57:06
I know the stats would prove me wrong but Lukaku is nowhere near as good as he should be. I can't see him making it in a really top European team, so it's probably PSG for him where he can play Champions League football regularly and score 30 odd goals a season in a sub-standard league. It's telling that even his father doesn't rate his chances in Italy.

Having said that, it will be hard to replace a 20 goal a season player as nobody of real proven quality will want to join a team that hasn't qualified for Europe. I'm certainly not pinning any hopes on Kone and Niasse!. Hopefully, a new manager will shape the team in a way that we are not so utterly dependent on one player.

Darren Bailey
107 Posted 18/05/2016 at 08:57:11
See ya Rom, nowhere near as good as you (or your dad) think you are. Double what we paid and he can go but not a penny less.
However, his potential with a decent attacking coach and manager that will play to his strengths and he can be outstanding. The problem is also his attitude and work rate would need to change and I can't see that happening. He just seems to want an easy time of it and get the glory of scoring goals (which I know is a strikers job) but doesn't want to put a shift in for the team. Reminds me of being kid on the playground and wanting to go up front just so you can be the hero, spoilt.
In his head I think he left last summer to be honest as RM lost the players well before the back end of this season. He just saw out another year to see what could happen. I also heard that there was an agreement that he could leave this summer if we didn't make Champions League, not sure who with though. And the way he spoke after the game on Sunday he's definitely gone. Speaking about the lads doing a better job for the fans next season.
Bottom line-would love him to stay and develop here but won't lose any sleep if he leaves.
Craig Walker
108 Posted 18/05/2016 at 08:57:40
Another one who can join the long list of players who left Everton for better things. He would be some player if he was as good as he or his dad think he is.

Ashamed to say that there was a thread on TW a few months' back asking us to name the best Everton XI that we've seen play and I put Lukaku in there (it was after that Chelsea game). Is it too late to swap him out for Big Dunc?

David Baxter
109 Posted 18/05/2016 at 09:01:33
If Lukaku wants to then so be it.

If your girlfriend tells you she wants to shack up with the great looking geezer in the posh part of town with his massive mansion and a bigger bank balance than Red Rum's arse, then let her go. Chances are in 2 years time she will be back living with some gormless hod-carrier in Wigan.
Or in Lukaku's case, some old slapper from Carlisle.

Ray Robinson
110 Posted 18/05/2016 at 09:02:40
Craig #108. Big Dunc? Now there was one hell of a lazy player who turned it on when he felt like it! Of course, you're winding us all up? ... you've got to be!
Eddy Grundy
111 Posted 18/05/2016 at 09:06:03
We will miss Lukaku for his goal scoring alone but I haven't seen anything to suggest that he is a CL player.
Give him a ball to run on to and he can utilise his strength to gain an advantage over his marker and will score, give him a ball to his head or feet with his back to goal and he looks an average championship player.
Everton Football Club is the only thing I consider, players come and go and thankfully so do managers. If a player or his agent or his daddy wants to earn a shed load by moving him on, so what? Let us be the judge of when he leaves and how much is acceptable for his services, I haven't a clue why we offer contracts to these mercenaries because they are meaningless unless it's the club who want to off load, then you can see their heels being dug in.
If you don't want to play for the badge, fans and manager then let us not stand in their way, just stand by the tills and take the cash
Phil Sammon
112 Posted 18/05/2016 at 09:06:17
'Whether the transfer has been sorted? Almost. I think it will be in place before the European Championship.'

So the transfer is nearly over the line...but he doesn't know who to.

This guy's a bloody idiot. Nice way to make a living, pimping out your own son. He reminds my of Michael Jackson's dad.

Andrew Clare
113 Posted 18/05/2016 at 09:06:51
I agree with the above comments. If we had had a Champions league standard striker we would have won the semi-final against Utd.
Dave Ganley
115 Posted 18/05/2016 at 09:11:40
Rather he stayed with a new manager who knows what he's doing but if not then no worries. Get top dollar for him and move on.

One thing the new manager must do is get players who understand Everton and will fit in with the dressing room. Say what you like about Moyes and his dithering ways in the transfer market but he generally got players who wanted to be here and play their heart out for the fans. That's what the new manager needs to do. Having a team is far better than just good individuals not on the same wavelength....that's what we have now. If the so called stars want to fuck off then so be it. We will be better off without you. Go to the mercenaries of PSG cos after that statement about Italy being too hard, I can't see too many top clubs thinking "oh yeah he's the guy for us.....just hope we don't get Italian teams in the CL" well done Roger, you really have put your son in the bargain basement window!!

Ian Burns
116 Posted 18/05/2016 at 09:14:02
I had written off Lukaku (and Stones) being here next season a long time ago and I am far more interested in reading the club has tied down Davies; Dowell; Connolly; Pennington; Holgate; Galloway; Garbutt and any of the other bright youngsters coming through to long term contracts.

Apart from a new manager (which appears to be any one of Favre; De Boer and Koeman); we then need a goalkeeper; centre back; creative midfielder and a striker or two which with the funds from Lukaku and Stones plus a bit from the TV cash we have earned, shouldn't be too difficult a task for the right manager to organise and attract.

My final point is what will Roger Lukaku say if his son's new team are drawn against an Italian team in the group stages of the CL? Beg his manager not to play him and show him up?

Gary Willock
117 Posted 18/05/2016 at 09:14:18
Get rid. He has the potential to be a legend here, but unfortunately is missing the heart, the hunger or the intelligence. 4 years ago our team spirit was amongst the best about, and now our 'chemistry' is missing. That's probably largely because of mercenaries like him. Everton existed long before him, and will exist long after him.

Maybe when he comes to the Trafalgar Dock in 3 years playing for Swansea / Stoke / Sunderland / West Brom he'll understand what could have been. Moving forward I'd love a fresh, young team that wants to commit - with ALL their heart - the next 3-4 years to a proper project. Something like;

Bergovic/Joel
Baines/Garbutt
Galloway/Funes/Foulds
Stones/Jagielka/Browning
Coleman/Kenny
Besic/Davies/Walsh
krychowiak/Macca/Ledson
Yarmalenko/SuperKev
Barkley/Dowell
Delboy/Grant/Lennon/
Rooney/Tarashaj/Duffus

Money in - Lukaku (60m), Kone+Niasse (25p)
Money out - Bergovic (10m), Krychowiak (30m), Yarmalenko (25m), Rooney (15m) = 80m.
Net Spend - 20m.

Gerard Carey
118 Posted 18/05/2016 at 09:15:43
Thinks he is better than he really is. His close control is terrible, his heading ability is dire, too lazy to stay onside. If he goes, get £50 million for him. With his attitude, he has the makings of being the next Adeybayor!!!

As someone else has said, he could be like a lot of our so-called stars that left for better climes and ended up warming benches. Are you listening, Rodwell, Lescott... etc.

Nick Page
119 Posted 18/05/2016 at 09:20:37
Take 65m all day long. Chuck in Niasse for free. Better rid of the lazy get and his gobshite father. The problem is then spending it and quickly.
Anthony Lewis
120 Posted 18/05/2016 at 09:22:16
NEA
Finn Taylor
121 Posted 18/05/2016 at 09:23:47
He's going to PSG or United. All depends where Jose Mourinho turns up. Where ever he goes, Lukaku won't be. 60 mill.
Dave Abrahams
122 Posted 18/05/2016 at 09:31:44
He has wanted to leave Everton for quite a while, as Paul says (29) he stopped playing weeks ago.

The only concern we should have is the price,£65M and we should lock the door until he has signed, a good goal scorer, very average player, plays for himself not a team player. Don't care where you finish up England or Europe.

Just hope the money we get for him is spent totally on new players.

Gary Mortimer
123 Posted 18/05/2016 at 09:45:32
Phil #102.

"This club is the most embarrassing organisation I've ever come across in my life." A slight case of over-reaction methinks. I'll raise you Security Search Management & Solutions Ltd (SSMS), or in football terms how about Leeds Utd or Aston Villa.

One of the (few) good things RM did was the "John Stones is not going anywhere" interview last year. So we may have a long history of selling our best players, we don't have to if we don't want to.

In my opinion, we should Lukaku sell for top dollar. He has the potential to be up there with the best, but he does not appear to have worked hard enough in training on his first touch, his heading, his positional play, his movement off the ball, his team play, his penalty taking and his fitness. He obviously scores loads of goals, but his attitude is not the greatest and the way he shoots his mouth off during international breaks is totally unprofessional and insulting to his employers.

Unfortunately Niasse does not appear to be a good enough replacement with even worse close control, so new strikers are desperately needed.

Brian Williams
124 Posted 18/05/2016 at 10:01:17
Phil #102.
Phil, the club hasn't done anything wrong in this one so far. Lukaku's dad can say what he wants, the club has no control over him. Doesn't mean what he says bears any resemblance to the truth.
As for sacking a manager without having any idea who the new one is going to be: How do you know the club has no idea? Or would you have preferred Martinez to stay while we got another one ready at a days notice to join. I know I didn't want him to stay a day longer than he did.
I can understand your frustrations to some degree but I think you've succumbed to the "believe everything you read" disease.
The papers, the radio, the media in general will spout utter shite about anything and everything. 90% of it is just that, shite.
I'm a pragmatist when it comes to all things Everton and I have to say things have not looked as positive for a long long time.
Chill mate and don't expect the worst.
NSNO.
Mike Green
125 Posted 18/05/2016 at 10:05:50
Finn #121 - I don't think Jose's his No.1 fan to be honest...
Paul Mackie
126 Posted 18/05/2016 at 10:14:21
I'd rather keep him to be honest. He's a proven premier league goal scorer who bagged 20+ goals a season playing a in a system that doesn't play to his strengths. Anyone would be demoralised playing under Martinez.

I. for one, would like another season out of him to see what he can do under the guidance of a proper manager (assuming we get one).

Zoid Clark
127 Posted 18/05/2016 at 10:16:10
Both Lukaku and Lukaku Senior seem to think he's God's gift to the world!

"He needs to change clubs to progress".... WRONG! He needs to change his attitude if he is going to progress! Self-obsessed & lazy isn't going to do it in any league.

Jim Potter
128 Posted 18/05/2016 at 10:19:24
What is it with these Belgian Dad's? First Fellaini's old man spouts off ... now Lukaku's.

Get ready for Mr Mirallas snr.

£65 million? Yes ... for the guy who scored against Chelsea.

£6.50 for the lazy sod who can't control a ball; jumps but never gets near to heading a long ball; who's first touch is like a virgin's in a brothel; and who simply didn't look arsed in the last few months.

Go. And take your cash grabbing father (and twat of an agent) with you.

Steve Carse
130 Posted 18/05/2016 at 10:28:29
Lukaku gave us no more than half a dozen really outstanding performances this season. There were perhaps another dozen or so good ones. The rest were a mixture of the average and the anonymous. In too many games he offered nothing. Of course you can offer up reasons for this, to do with his operating in an isolated position, in a team lacking creative ability. Even so I think we had a right to expect more from him.
Steve Carse
131 Posted 18/05/2016 at 10:28:29
Lukaku gave us no more than half a dozen really outstanding performances this season. There were perhaps another dozen or so good ones. The rest were a mixture of the average and the anonymous. In too many games he offered nothing. Of course you can offer up reasons for this, to do with his operating in an isolated position, in a team lacking creative ability. Even so I think we had a right to expect more from him.
David Chait
132 Posted 18/05/2016 at 10:29:14
Are we delusional that he might stay.. Even old Richard Keys is stating its a forgone conclusion.. likes its fact.

Either way his dads a plonker.

Les Netherwood
133 Posted 18/05/2016 at 10:34:50
Get shut of him I say. He is too slow and has no ball control, but it sounds like he has a controlling father. He is out of shape and just can't be bothered.

Show him the door NOW.

Dave Bowen
134 Posted 18/05/2016 at 10:37:51
Peter @ #60. We've got one of those already. Bloke from Senegal with a dodgy wrist. Hasn't gone particularly well so far.
Dan Hollingworth
135 Posted 18/05/2016 at 10:39:14
Anyone who is saying he is “lazy”, “good riddance” “He isn’t that good anyway” needs their head looking at. I wholeheartedly agree he can be frustrating, difficult to watch sometimes but the man scores goals. He has scored goals in a poor team with a poor manager not playing to his strengths and not playing with 2 wingers. He is still only 22. I thoroughly believe a better manager playing to his strengths and coaching him better he will score even more. We have not exactly had an abundance of strikers in the last 20 years who come close to how good he could be. If he goes you will all be moaning next season when our top scorer next season is Baines with 8 and 6 of them where Pens.
John Louis Jones
136 Posted 18/05/2016 at 10:42:44
Take the £65 Million and Move on. Thanks goodbye. Whats the point of having a player that is in press talking about being a better player than the club he plays For.

Also Lucien Favre is being strongly Linked in the Europe Media as our next Manager.

http://www.spox.com/de/sport/fussball/international/england/1605/News/lucien-favre-Everton-trainer-verpflichtung-toffees.html

His system of play would suit our team.

Ernie Baywood
137 Posted 18/05/2016 at 10:43:59
I find it amazing that people might truly believe that he can't control a ball. A lifetime of top level training, marked for the top at a young age, yet no-one apparently noticed he doesn't have the first skill that you teach a child.

Dan Hollingworth
138 Posted 18/05/2016 at 10:48:16
Ernie - @137

When we played Liverpool at home last season his touch was superb and did everything we as fans want him to do. His touch on his day can be fine, and I think he has a real issue with consistency, but then most strikers do. Niasse has a poor touch, Lacina Traore had a poor touch. Rom just needs a bit of guidance and grooming into becoming the striker most of us know he could be.

Mark Cooper
139 Posted 18/05/2016 at 10:58:47
His Dad is a tool, so are SSN and the press. I don't think he will be here next season but nothing is going to happen till a new manager is in place.
Christopher Timmins
140 Posted 18/05/2016 at 11:00:35
Thanks Rom for the Chelsea moment and the major profit the club will make when you move on.

Once the number is right, let there be no dramatics, let the guy go. You don't need unhappy players at a club.

What goes for Rom goes for anyone else who wishes to depart.

Mark Williams
142 Posted 18/05/2016 at 11:09:38
He might be a good player, but he is too inconsistent for me and only seems to work hard when it suits him.

Although I'm not certain he has said he wants to leave yet, in my opinion it will just be a matter of time. If he doesn't want to be here, cash in and get someone who does. Simple.

Maynard Hanna
143 Posted 18/05/2016 at 11:14:04
If the player himself wants to leave, let him go. Irrespective of what we know and really think of him, please one and all stop slagging him and refrain from pointing out his obvious shortcomings. Instead build him up. Talk him up...

Why? Well because I want to make as much as possible from the deal, and if he wants to go to Man Utd... so be it. They are like ourselves and are not in Europe next season. Let's be positive and believe that, come season 2017-18, we will be in Europe and Man Utd still won't be. Just believe.

Peter Roberts
144 Posted 18/05/2016 at 11:26:21
Ta ra Rom, try not to bang your ego on the way out. Probably be the quickest you moved all season.
John Daley
145 Posted 18/05/2016 at 11:32:26
So are you saying he's blessed with great control then Ernie? The sort of instant, instinctive control you would expect of a player supposedly worth £60m+? He can take a ball perfectly in his stride almost every time, bring it down on his chest with nary a bobble, lay it off first time without even having to look? I've seen the wife's chihuahua kill a high ball with more confidence (although, admittedly, it helps that he can get his fucking feet off the ground when he leaps) and he's a skinny little rat bastard who can be taken clean out the game by a gust of wind sending a rogue crisp packet his way.
Peter Roberts
146 Posted 18/05/2016 at 11:32:32
Dan... he is 23 now. Only a few more years of hearing he's only 'just x old' before he's negotiating his last big contract possibly in Turkey, QPR or China.

Incidentally by 23 Robbie Fowler and Michael Owen had both already achieved their highest goalscoring tallies... they certainly weren't still waiting on that magical moment where they could trap a football.

Loko Sanchez
147 Posted 18/05/2016 at 11:42:15
If a manager with proven pedigree comes in, I can see him staying another year. But wont cry if he leaves. It would be good if he goes to Leicester, though... and learns from Vardy and Co on what it takes to EARN the right to play Champions League.
James Stewart
148 Posted 18/05/2016 at 11:59:14
Strange situation where Lukaku obviously feels he can play at a bigger club but, for me Everton can also do a lot better than Lukaku.

Let him move abroad if they want him so much but not to a direct rival. His comments are a little embarrassing considering players like Kane and Vardy put his work rate to shame.

Barry Williams
149 Posted 18/05/2016 at 12:05:44
I think there are a number of points here that are all valid, excuse me while I get the splinter out of my arse!

His goalscoring record is excellent as we all know, and yes this has been despite the tactics used by Martinez, not because of them. Does anyone remember him coming out in the 2nd season and saying that the gaffer has been asked to go a bit more direct sometimes?

And yes, he is relatively young. A goal scorer who is young that we haven't probably made the best use off! However, he hasn't exactly helped himself with his attitude which at times has really stunk (I know he is not the only one). His lack of effort at times has bordered on the comical.

His utterings to the press about his ambitions, his father's and agent's insistence on talking him about being too good for Everton have been so disrespectful to the club, who after all paid a massive amount of money for him when know one else would, the club have stuck by him when he has been woefully out of form and have given him massive wages too. On top of that he has never been fined for speaking out of term (something that may have had an adverse effect in more ways than one on the team).

As a team we have become over-reliant on him. Let's not forget we got into the champions league with Marcus bent and his amazing 7 goals. The team shared goals, as did the 87 championship winning team after Lineker had left with his 40 goals!

Point is, no team is a one man band and no man is bigger than the team. More goals needed from other sources. Defending from the front is a true adage, chasing lost causes, harrying and chasing back at times. Did anyone notice that in the Sunderland game their CB was able to get in the 6 yard box and score 2? Nobody attempted to track him, at least an effort should have been made by the front players to do this.

His all round game improved immensely, then he went back to type, ball bouncing off him, terrible touch, too heavy to get off the ground and win headers and the amount of chances he missed against Man Utd, to borrow a phrase, was phenomenal! He took penalty duties of Baines, and you could argue that cost us an FA Cup Final place because he wanted to pad out his goal scoring record.

So we have a striker who can bang the goals in, is inconsistent in his all-round play, youngish, has a bit of an attitude problem, but he hasn't been used correctly in order to maximise his skills, which may have led partly to this attitude problem. No doubt though his lack of effort has cost the team at times, but his goals have no doubt saved them too. At times unplayable and at other times unwatchable!

Everton have the upper-hand here. We have a contract. This shouldn't be rushed and Everton shouldn't be pressured into a decision. First and foremost let's see who the new manager is, he will have his own concrete ideas as of what to do with Lukaku.

Whatever happens I feel Everton are in a win win situation. He stays and he has to impress a new guy, who will probably also have enough money to buy someone as competition up front. Everton benefit. He goes, we get loads of cash, tactics can be adjusted and the squad strengthened in a way that we don't become too reliant on one individual.

However, there is a feeling of what could have been if we played 2 wingers, gave him more support, occasionally varied tactics, rested him or gave him a boot up the backside when out of form etc. So, although I feel that he hasn't helped himself, Everton haven't made the best use of him. If he stays, great, if he goes great! As said, a win-win for the club.

Muj Rasul
150 Posted 18/05/2016 at 12:11:22
He has a poor first touch and his heart is not here. £65m is good money.... I just hope he goes outside the Premier League.
Soren Moyer
151 Posted 18/05/2016 at 12:22:40
I'd gladly swap this lad with Lowandowsky.
Ernie Baywood
152 Posted 18/05/2016 at 12:25:44
Define "touch", John. You mean controlling the ball under no pressure? Yes, I reckon he's alright. You don't see it very often though do you?

Our do you mean taking the ball with a centre-half up your backside? Or running at full pace, collecting a straight 50-yard ball dropping over his shoulder?

He has his moments with the last two. Falls short in some regards, but then he's a massive quick centre-forward being judged against impossible standards.

Messi wouldn't stand a chance against Romelu in an aerial duel. He's shite that Messi, forget his goals, he's incredibly lazy and he can't win a header.

Tony J Williams
153 Posted 18/05/2016 at 12:29:28
He will be a big player for his next team.

The lad scored 25 goals in a team that was falling apart.

As with most egotists, he was a mardy fucker too and sulked his way through far too many games.

£65m, thank you very much and tell your arl fella to shut the fuck up and tell your scumbag agent to just fuck off!

It will be a pity if he goes before the new man is in charge, as who knows? the new fella may convince him to give us a season to see what we can do with proper management and hopefully better players

Kevin Rowlands
154 Posted 18/05/2016 at 12:32:10
Dan (#135),

Are Mourinho and Wilmots good managers? Are Chelsea and Belgium good teams with top players? He was deemed not good enough for either; yes, I know he's in the squad for this summer but hardly played last World Cup.

He's without doubt the most over-rated player to have ever worn an Everton shirt for me, can't trap, tackle, head, pass, is as lazy as they come, constantly caught offside, and is a whiner. Other than that... he's brilliant.

A fit Andy Carroll is much more of a handful and if he's worth £65 mill Harry Kane must be worth £650 mill. Goodbye and good riddance!

Mike Allison
155 Posted 18/05/2016 at 12:32:45
I can't believe some of you still don't get how good he is.
Kevin Rowlands
156 Posted 18/05/2016 at 12:37:21
That some of us include Jose Mourinho, Mike.
Brian Williams
157 Posted 18/05/2016 at 12:59:30
I can see both sides of the argument:

1) He's scored over 20 goals this season, which puts him among the elite of the Premier League goalscorers for this season. 20-goals-a-season strikers are quite a rare breed.

2) He CAN look disinterested. He CAN look a bit of a donkey (he did against Norwich). He CAN look as though he can't be arsed and he CAN miss sitters.

But, despite ALL those CANS, he's still scored over 20 goals this season.

Question has to be. What do you want from your striker?

Eugene Kearney
158 Posted 18/05/2016 at 13:00:56
He's good, but he hasn't fully committed to EFC.

Let him go and earn even more money elsewhere and take whatever money we get for him... hopefully £65M... then we get someone better. That'll be the new manager's first assignment!!

Craig Walker
159 Posted 18/05/2016 at 13:32:02
Ray #110 - I wasn't joking about Big Dunc. I've got more fonder memories of Ferguson in an Everton shirt playing in largely poor Everton teams than I have with Lukaku. We haven't had many forwards who the RS feared, particularly in his first spell. His first goal in Joe Royle's first derby as manager is one of my best memories of being an Everton fan. True, he didn't always turn up and had a lot of injuries but his hat-trick against Bolton one Boxing Day effectively kept us up. At his best, he was unplayable.
Tom Bowers
160 Posted 18/05/2016 at 13:32:03
It's gonna happen and it's no surprise.
Everton will survive and it may be better if Everton can get a more mobile type of player which you need if you want to break quickly from defence.
Rom will always get goals but his initial ball control is not great and of course his work rate is not the best either.
Better to cash in now and get the replacement as I cannot see Niasse being anything but a sub. quite honestly.
I hope I am wrong and I don't want to be unfair to the lad but the signs are there that he isn't going to set the Pre. on fire.
Steavey Buckley
161 Posted 18/05/2016 at 13:34:49
When Everton lost Fellaini had an impact on goals not scored from midfield, if and when Lukaku goes, it will have an impact up front. So if you add Fellaini's and Lukaku's goals, that's 30 premier league goals from 2 players.
Ian Brandes
162 Posted 18/05/2016 at 13:37:35
A great player when he is in the mood, a lazy cart horse when he isn't, and never, I feel, fully committed to EFC.

Perhaps he has more of an idea about the new manager's identity than we have, so he is off.

But I think we will not make anywhere near the £65 million we yearn for. Let us face it, we might only break even.

Ray Jacques
163 Posted 18/05/2016 at 13:39:31
Brian 157, I agree he's a great finisher.However, we need to start afresh with the new manager and I think we should sell lukaku . He doesn't want to stay so get rid for top dollar. I like Ranieries attitude when he said he will ask the players if they want to stay and if not, then leave as he only wants happy players. Simple ask him directly what he wants to do, if its leave then find a replacement, don't drag it out
John Davies
164 Posted 18/05/2016 at 13:41:13
As good as he is, can't we get rid and get someone who has the attributes of Kane or Vardy? Someone who cuts through defence so well and hardly misses or miss passes!
James Watts
165 Posted 18/05/2016 at 13:42:59
Bayern?? Yeah right. They wouldn't pay that kind of money for a sub. No way would this lazy oof get into that team.

United? More likely. But they aren't in the CL and the whole point of the move is to go into CL isn't it? Or is that just bollocks .... ??? :)

PSG? Most likely, in my opinion. And would be his best move. Still wouldn't need to work hard and will score loads of goals as the defenders are crap. Plus they are happy to throw money around. Would suit him much more.

Bye bye Rom. No great loss.

David Chait
166 Posted 18/05/2016 at 13:45:04
Mike #155 it's typical fans isn't it.. Any player shows disloyalty any improvement area in his game is magnified that he becomes rubbish but at the same time will take the £65m he is apparently worth, showing .. Well he must be one of the best in the world even if he is rubbish!
Kevin Rowlands
167 Posted 18/05/2016 at 13:46:20
So when Suarez left the RS Steavey they scored 30 plus less goals the following season? Nonsense talk, players move on, you sign replacements, they score the goals. Example, Van Persie leaves Utd, Martial and Rushford come in score goals. That's how it works.
James Highet
168 Posted 18/05/2016 at 13:46:57
Lukaku fired us through the quarter final and then lost us the semi final. That day I personally would have driven him to another club. Too much moaning about Champions League, if he goes to Man Utd then he is showing he has no ambition. Take the money for him but no less than £55 million as his goal record demands it in the modern Premier League.
Sam Hoare
169 Posted 18/05/2016 at 13:51:50
Kevin, possibly not the best example as RS have struggled a fair bit since Suarez left and Man U haven't as often hit the heights either since Ruud and Cristiano left.
Joe Foster
170 Posted 18/05/2016 at 13:55:12
It's all about the money and what's best for the club for me. Either we get the money the club wants or he stays if we don't.

He is a decent player with faults but the club's needs come first.

Steavey Buckley
171 Posted 18/05/2016 at 13:56:51
Kevin Rowlands: Nonsense talk, players move on, you sign replacements, they score the goals. ....McCarthy replaced Fellaini and hardly ever scores goals.
Kevin Rowlands
172 Posted 18/05/2016 at 14:04:06
Sam, that's not the point I'm making, to say that because Lukaku and Fellaini left Everton will score 30 less goals is nonsense, I personally feel we need to bring in 2 quality strikers next season plus hopefully a couple of the young lads come through and more than make up for the loss of this over rated average gobshite.
Sam Hoare
173 Posted 18/05/2016 at 14:08:35
Kevin, not 30 less goals exactly but replacing players who score or create a lot of goals is much easier said than done. That's why they cost so much. We will do well to find someone who scores 20+ goals per season.
John Daley
174 Posted 18/05/2016 at 14:09:03
"Define "touch" John. You mean controlling the ball under no pressure?"

Why? I never used the word "touch" ( so not sure what the quote marks are for?). You said: "I find it amazing that people might truly believe that he can't control a ball", so I simply asked if you think his "control" is of a level one would expect from a player valued at over £60m.

There have been countless games this season (particularly the second half of the season) where the ball has kept coming back to our midfield, almost straightaway, because of Lukaku's inability to make it stick, to bounce it off his shins, to just jut a leg out and prod it to the nearest defender.

Obviously, nobody is saying he is unable to control a ball at all times, they're (or at least, I am) just saying it is an attribute that is not up to par for a player who believes he belongs in the company of the very best. It's hit and miss at most and, particularly for one who plays as a lone forward and is meant to provide a focal point and an 'out' for his teammates, it's something that shouldn't just be brushed off because it causes so many forward forays to break down before they've even fucking begun.

As for the part about Messi not standing a chance in an aerial duel against Lukaku? Are you sure about that? Messi's quite brave for his size. Lukaku's basically Sully from Monsters Inc minus the blue fur. I would have said it's 60/40 in Rom's favour at first, but then I remembered how the shortarsed Naismith used to put his bigger, stronger teammate to shame with the amount of headers he won just by...y'know....actually trying. Now I'm going 50/50.

James Watts
175 Posted 18/05/2016 at 14:12:46
David (166). I don't think that we all think he's rubbish all of a sudden. It's more the fact that he is a decent player (nothing more in my eyes) but lazy and completely over priced at that kind of money. That's why none of us are upset that he's going. In fact, I would venture to say most of us are happy he's going for around 50-60 mill.
Andrew Ellams
176 Posted 18/05/2016 at 14:16:54
Kevin Rowlands, Liverpool scored 49 less league goals the season after Suarez left than in his final season and 38 less goals this season.
Kevin Rowlands
177 Posted 18/05/2016 at 14:21:35
Steavey he scored a great goal last week mate, Barkley also scored 10 this season, as for Fellaini, go and ask most Utd fans what they think of him, bog average would be the answer. BTW another Belgian gobshite who had his father gobbing off in the press about CL, like one of the other posters said on another thread, both of them will be plying their trade at Fenerbache or Beksitas sooner than later. Mike said above he can take believe that some of can't see how good he is, my reply is it can't believe that some of you can't see how frigging bad he is. If someone is foolish enough to give us 60 mill for him I would say their judgement is worse than the person who was responsible for signing Niasse for us, and I'm not joking either.
John Daley
178 Posted 18/05/2016 at 14:32:37
The Suarez argument is a bit pointless. People could just as easily have said the RS "will really struggle for goals once Torres leaves. He'll be impossible to replace".

There's always a solution and it doesn't necessarily have to be a straight swap. A canny forward with better movement and link up play may lead to more chances being created for others and goals being spread out throughout the team rather one player slotting the bulk of them.

Ian Burns
179 Posted 18/05/2016 at 14:35:21
The problem with Rom is that sometimes his first touch is so bad, his second touch is a header. However, given the right service and on occasions when he wasn't playing the lone ranger, his positioning was better and his overall game improved. I know he gets a lot of criticism but there were times last season when he must have thought he was using the wrong deodorant.
Keith Glazzard
180 Posted 18/05/2016 at 14:37:22
Rom is a good striker and playing in a good Everton team he would be in for 20+ a season in the PL plus more in European and other competitions.
If he goes (£65m min) where would we find a penalty taker, Roberto?
Sean Patton
181 Posted 18/05/2016 at 14:39:16
It seems to be a Belgian father's thing as I recall Fellaini's dad mouthing off in similar circumstances. I wonder what he thinks about his younger son being linked to Everton.

Lukaku was never going to be here for the long haul so it was inevitable that he would leave and he will be missed but if we should get at least double what we paid and that buys a world class replacement.

Andrew Clare
182 Posted 18/05/2016 at 14:39:44
Why does the media seem to think that our employees would do better elsewhere?
First it was Moyes and just look how he fared, now it's Lukaku, Stones and Barkley.
The jury is still out on Stones and Barkley but I am pretty sure that Lukaku would struggle to play in a top Champions league team week in week out.
Whenever we have played teams in the top 6 he has nearly always had a very quiet game.
Kevin Rowlands
183 Posted 18/05/2016 at 14:50:31
10 league games vs top 5 this season Lukaku's scoring record is a grand total of ONE. Last eleven games of the season Lukaku's scoring record is a grand total of ZERO, yes he's ready for the champions league folks!
Teddy Bertin
184 Posted 18/05/2016 at 14:55:21
No wonder he wants to go. The atomosphere has hardly been enjoyable at home this year plus he could probably have got CL football instead of coming to us but came for guaranteed starts, CL within a few years and attacking, exciting football. None of that materialised for him here.

Great player who with the right service could be world class. Scored loads of goals in the PL already ( in average teams let's be honest). Still has a lot of developing to do, which at his age (and with his intelligence) is a given. Speaks loads of languages, which helps a player in any league. So considering all this I doubt that there are not many better prospects in world football at the moment. We'll need top dollar for him.

How much was Sterling? How much was Carroll?


I don't blame his dad for wanting the best for him (he just should keep those opinions behind closed doors). Rom could do a lot better than us with this season's showing. Credit to the lad he believed that Martinez was building something great and was willing to go to a team that hasn't won anything in decades to help build something great.
Good luck to you Rom, I'm sure you'll do great and thanks for giving it a go with us.

Bill Gall
185 Posted 18/05/2016 at 14:56:34
What amazes me about some of the comments, are the constant criticism of Lukaku as being lazy ,poor attitude, cant control the ball,a poor header so " by by " get rid of him. The best comments after saying that are, but make sure we get 55/ 65 mill for him.

Do people honestly expect Everton to pay that type of money for a player that they describe Lukaku as. Also we keep saying Lukaku is under contract, but so are the players that are being talked about being a replacement for him, and would they want to come to Everton.

Getting rid of one of the leagues top scorers is no way to improve the team , unless you have another 20-25 a season goalscorer already lined up, and that will not happen until we get the new manager in.

Mike Green
186 Posted 18/05/2016 at 15:00:59
Lukaku can trap a ball further than I can kick it...
Ray Kiischt
187 Posted 18/05/2016 at 15:16:31
I'll take take Lewandovski and Bayern can get Lukaku plus something from the buffet. We will see how he plays at the Euros. I think Origi will be better again, as was the case in Brazil, and I see more of the same in France.

Lukaku scores 10 goals in 6 games then he goes completely of the boil for the next 10 games. And when he's not scoring goals, he is useless. Bad workrate, no pressing, no defending... He thinks he is top class! Not even worth the money we paid for him.

Rob Halligan
188 Posted 18/05/2016 at 15:22:16
His arl fella says he will be sold before the European championships start. Well he better get a move on as the first game is three weeks on Friday!!

However, as Belgium's first game is against Italy and he can't cope with Italian defenders, Hopefully, Roms first game will be four weeks on Saturday, against ROI. Bit of a pickle here as well, as probably the majority of Ireland's squad play in the premiership, who apparently he hasn't fared too well against either.

Ah well, just leaves Sweden five weeks today for Roms first appearance at the Euros.

If he's hoping to impress at these euros, put himself in the shop window so to speak, it looks like the shutters may well be down.

Which is just as well because personally I want him to stay, for at least one more season under the new manager, and see how he fares?

Kevin Rowlands
189 Posted 18/05/2016 at 15:27:03
Bill, it's not a case of Everton wanting to get rid, it's a case of him and his mouthy father saying they want out. If you read my posts I believe that anyone willing to hand over 60 mill to us for him needs a serious physiological evaluation, or a prompt visit to a top eye specialist.
Alan Bodell
190 Posted 18/05/2016 at 15:28:01
I'll be glad when finally does leave and firmly believe he will never be the player he or so many others think he is capable of.
He has no immediate acceleration, cannot head a ball and add his poor hold up play to lack of anticipation and there you have him.
£60m ?, great to see then we can invest in a proper striker.
By the way I've been saying this all season but have had many on here and some of my fellow Blue friends disagreeing but hey...,
it's all about opinions.
I'll be amazed if the scouts from any top club sanction a fee like that for him and I've seen him play most games this past season.
Mike McLoughlin
191 Posted 18/05/2016 at 15:34:31
One thing is for sure, if he wasn't up front for us last season, we would be close to the relegation positions. Played right he is a great player , and if Moshiri is putting money in the club to get players who can provide him with decent service then who knows what could happen.
We will e a completely different club under the new owner so let's not go farming off our best players
Gavin Johnson
192 Posted 18/05/2016 at 15:37:35
The people who were slagging Rom off saying he was a waste of money and maligned his first touch at the start of this season are out in force on this thread I see.

I don't like the way Rom and his father are handling this situation, but it seems indicative of most modern footballers, especially of the Belgian variety. The truth of the matter is he's the best striker we've had in years and could well be the best we have for a very long time. I'll be very sad to see him go but I'm a realist and know that £56m+ is a fair price for an unsettled player.

Ian Bennett
193 Posted 18/05/2016 at 15:59:55
If he is after a champions league club, and has a release clause, don't rule out a plus £1 bid from Arsenal.
Steavey Buckley
194 Posted 18/05/2016 at 16:04:10
Kevin Rowlands. Fellaini helped united into the final, by being in the right place in front of goal against Everton in the semis. How many times have you ever seen McCarthy playing like that? If Lukaku goes, there is a replacement named Niasse. There are odds against him never scoring a goal for Everton.
Jay Wood
195 Posted 18/05/2016 at 16:06:40
Some well-worn cliches being polished and turned out on this thread, so ... I'll join in!

My personal preference is to keep Romelu.

Players with his goal scoring ability don't grow on trees. In getting on for decades now, a striker of his consistent goal scoring prowess at Everton has been rarer than hen's teeth.

Clearly he has some deficiences and is still, in some aspects of his game, a rough diamond who needs polishing.

Comparing him to the likes of Vardy and Kane is like comparing apples and oranges. Different physiques, different attributes.

As for accusations on laziness and not trying, the whole squad can be accused of that in recent weeks. They've all been on the beach with their flip flops on.

He is also accused of being selfish and arrogant. The position he plays requires that. If anything, he doesn't displaying enough of that trait. He could do well to become more of a snarling dog of war.

If the same charge is made about his speech, I consider two things here:

1) I have no problem at all for an Everton player expressing the ambition he does. Aren't we all on board and in the same boat desiring the same for our club?

2) in each and every interview I see with Lukaku, he speaks softly, with humility, eloquence and intelligence, often speaking in terms of the team, rather than the self.

As other posters have alluded to, it is puzzling how roundly condemned he is by some ... yet in the same breath, they add "don't accept anything less than £50-65 million for him!"

As I said, I'd rather we kept him. Replacing his potency and potential will neither be easy nor cheap. Wait and see who we appoint as manager, allow him and Romelu to assess each other and only then, if he is determined to leave, so be it.

You can't break a camel's back by leading him to water and forcing him to drink ... or ... any other simile or cliche you may want to apply.

Gary Ashworth
196 Posted 18/05/2016 at 16:09:07
Kieran #62 made a brilliant point re: Anelka. This whole Lukaku fiasco is very similar. I honestly don't get the hype. I'd love for him to stay at Everton because I think a club like Everton is the best place for him. No disrespect to him or the club, but he's nowhere near as good as his dad thinks he is. I'd be very surprised if any club would be willing to pay £65m for him.

We've all seen the best and worst of Rom this season. Sadly his inconsistency is more regular than the opposite. He wasn't able to break into the Chelsea squad and he's not changed that much since those days, so he'd struggle to play regularly at clubs like Bayern Munich, PSG or Manchester United. All these clubs have strikers with much better ball control.

I feel Lukaku had a plan from the start. He needed to leave Chelsea having been frustrated, so needed to prove himself. A big money move to Everton guaranteed him regular starts in one of the top leagues in the world. A massive opportunity for him to prove himself and showcase himself to other "bigger clubs". He most likely gave Everton 2-3 years to see if Martinez could back up his promise of Champions League football - that didn't pan out. He changed his agent this season, a man who is capable of finding the desired club. He scores enough goals to get "bigger clubs" to take interest. He starts talking about wanting to play in the Champions League, blah, blah, blah.

If he wants to leave, let him leave and snap any club's hand off who is willing to pay. I don't want a player who is not committed at Everton, especially one who will constantly moan about wanting Champions League. Let's be honest, his poor performances outweigh his great performances and his ball control/first touch hasn't improved for three seasons now. There are plenty of other strikers out there who can step into his shoes and possibly do a better job.

However, if he ends up staying (and his dad is able to wash the egg off his face), then he needs to get his head down and do his job. He also needs to tell his agent and dad to shut up. Every time either one them opens up to the press, they insult Everton and we have played our part in the Lukaku development programme. Show the club some ounce of respect and recognition.

Kevin Rowlands
197 Posted 18/05/2016 at 16:18:45
Steavey, you must be joking , most Utd fans I know, and also my brother who lives in Manchester knows , can't stand him infact the joke is has he won some sort of competition to play for them because they think he's that bad. As for Mcarthy, I believe hell be back to his best next season now the Martinez shackles are off, and Btw pal, last 11 games Jimmy Mac has scored 2 more goals than you beloved Romelu!
James Watts
198 Posted 18/05/2016 at 16:26:34
Nice Jay (195), made me chuckle. Haven't heard of some of them before.

I do politely disagree though. In my opinion he is over-rated, lazy and a gob shite. I don't believe he is worth any more than the fee we paid for him, and that's because of his potential. But I don't believe he will fulfil that potential on the evidence we've seen (albeit under Martinez so difficult to gauge properly) so if someone wants to pay that kind of money for him, more fool them but thank you very much. Adios! Let's get someone in who may score less but will work his arse off for the team.

Steve Bingham
199 Posted 18/05/2016 at 16:29:57
Bye then ....Ker Ching !!
Steve Jones
200 Posted 18/05/2016 at 16:35:41
With the new manager linked Rom's going to be turned around isn't he?.

Has anyone made the "Luk....I am your Favre" joke yet?

Craig Walker
201 Posted 18/05/2016 at 16:37:52
Steve #200 - Very good!
Mark Jensen
202 Posted 18/05/2016 at 16:38:16
Lukaku's second touch is always after a three yard sprint.
George Cumiskey
203 Posted 18/05/2016 at 16:39:32
Like what Bob at 5 saying, with a name like that he must know what he's talking about !
Les Netherwood
204 Posted 18/05/2016 at 16:40:22
He does so little, and talks too much, between him and his dad we will be better off when he is gone.

Ray Robinson
205 Posted 18/05/2016 at 16:41:38
Unless you completely change the way that you play as a team, you simply cannot replace his goals that easily. He is lazy but I don't think you can reasonably expect him, with his bulky physique, to go tear-arsing around the pitch a la Aguero, Tevez, Suarez etc. Bob Latchford was "lazy" too!

Just as I would be delusional to expect him to stay (even though he has many obvious deficiencies, I'd like him to), there are many others on this thread equally delusional who believe that he can be easily replaced. Just because we seemingly have Moshiri money to spend doesn't mean that we are going to be in a position to attract a top replacement. £65m might buy a Lewandoski but he wouldn't come to us!! Nearly every club covets an extra striker and many can offer European football. We need to be very careful how we play this one!

Paul Conway
206 Posted 18/05/2016 at 16:43:00
Nobody should be surprised that Lukaku is leaving. It was already a done deal when he wasn't sanctioned for his comments re wanting CL football at the international break, yet Baines was hung out to dry for speaking the truth.

Martinez couldn't punish Lukaku as it was probably him who organised the deal with BK. Punishment would have left us without the only prolific striker (open to debate) we had with semi finals on the horizon. Plus, I am pretty sure that Lukaku would have opened the can o' worms re any deal. As for Baines... he was replaceable!
Kevin Rowlands
207 Posted 18/05/2016 at 16:51:59
I honestly believe that most Evertonians are reasonable and if Lukaku was world class ie Ronaldo, Suarez, Bale etc most of us would thank him and wish him well. Fact is he isn't, just like his two gobshite Belgian teammates Fellaini and Mirallas, so when you hear them or close aquaitances of theirs spouting this CL shite, it really is annoying. When the new manager arrives I really hope he has the sense to stay well clear of personalities like these three, see Ranieri. I repeat, him and the other two are nowhere near as good as they think they are, goodbye and good riddance!
Steavey Buckley
208 Posted 18/05/2016 at 17:20:10
Kevin Rowlands: Fellaini was terrific with Everton. If Lukaku goes where do you the extra 18 goals to come from? Tottenham paid 30 million pounds for Soldado, yet scored few goals. So just buying another striker does not mean there is a guarantee of goals. Niasse is another who comes into that category. 12 million pounds and no sign of a goal from him. The reason why most teams don't do well in the premier league is because of a lack of goals.
Richard Farrington
209 Posted 18/05/2016 at 17:31:32
The guy has got talent, not as much as he and his father would have you think but he does have talent and you can't argue with his scoring record.

Unfortunately for Evertonians, the second half of his final season with us has been nothing short of a joke (the Chelsea cup tie aside where he put a shift in) with him putting in no more than 25% effort in most games and basically trying to ensure that he doesn't get injured for the Euro's and for his move that he obviously wants.

I can't say that I will miss his name on the team sheet. I understand the concern with dross like Kone and Niasse on our books but we do have the pottentially good Dowell and cause for optimism with the new owner and manager.

Sorry Romelu but I won't miss your appaling attitiude. See ya.

David Chait
210 Posted 18/05/2016 at 17:47:18
Everyone has there position. Mine is that he is a brilliant striker and at his age up with the best in the world if not THE best. He would have got golden boot if the whole team hadn't gone to shit since December!

Put the kid in La Liga or France and he will dominate! He already is top 3 in England!

Kevin Rowlands
211 Posted 18/05/2016 at 17:49:11
Steavey, you mean like the lack of goals the last eleven games or the lack of goals vs the top 5, I wonder who we could be talking about? Oops. Having him in the team also doesn't guarantee you goals, and certainly doesn't guarantee you 100% effort. I think we all know Niasse was a huge mistake, I look forward to the new manager coming in and Romelu leaving, why? because he wants to mate, get used to it. Also, try going on some Utd twitter accounts or chat boards and you'll see very quickly what they think of Fellaini, utter garbage.
Paul Tran
212 Posted 18/05/2016 at 17:58:57
I'm not too concerned about this. Mr Lukaku Snr is following up the successful work of Mr Fellaini Snr, who spent two years bigging up his boy who is an average midfielder who can't pass or dribble but is pretty handy in each box. I know plenty of Utd fans, don't know any who rate him. Thank god for Moyes, who came to the rescue with an over the odds bid. Meanwhile, the season after Fellaini left, we scored more goals.

Whatever you think about Lukaku, he scores 20+ goals in a team that does little for him. Do we really want to sell a player who gets us goals, then get one who might get us goals?

I'd like the new manager to come in, play to Lukaku's strengths, watch the goals fly in and let him enjoy success with us until he gets the big money that benefits us all.

Kevin Rowlands
213 Posted 18/05/2016 at 18:00:28
Ok David #210, cmon pal fess up, you're the guy that scouted and found us Niasse aren't you.
Steavey Buckley
214 Posted 18/05/2016 at 18:00:56
Kevin Rowlands: If Lukaku does go, I hope the new manager can find a striker who can score every 2 games and a midffield player who can score 1 in 3 games - the premier league history is littered with players who could not score goals, but a lot of money was paid for them - Niasse comes into that reckoning.
Colin Glassar
215 Posted 18/05/2016 at 18:07:04
Love Rom. We need to keep him at any cost (unless its outrageous) and build around him, not isolate him. He needs a top player next to him, not Kone or Niasse. Don't sell!!
Karl Jones
216 Posted 18/05/2016 at 18:39:50
Good riddance. I'll be glad to see the back of him and his entourage. Usually an Everton prolific striker would be remembered with fondness, but this fellow's attitude will only leave a bad taste for me. Time to move on.
Alan Bodell
218 Posted 18/05/2016 at 19:14:19
David # 210, I can't make my mind up if this is a wind up or your bong overfloweth but I would certainly like to live in your world.
Frank Thomas
219 Posted 18/05/2016 at 19:36:46
Paul ( 212) I can't believe you said 'in a team that does little for him'. I would like to see Rom's conversion ratio for the last season. I bet it is below the average of 15%. Vardy's was 17% this season. In the games since Christmas Rom has missed several really good chances in every game. If he had read the game and moved faster he would easily have notched up 30. As for the number of headers he has missed I would love to hear an honest option from Joe Royle on Rom's poorly aimed headers.

He has great skill when he receives the ball when 30 yards out and runs in. Should we sell him ? Wait for the newt manager but never let him take another penalty i's too costly for us.

Darren Hind
220 Posted 18/05/2016 at 19:44:56
Take the best offer and fuck him off.

I'm sick of hearing how he wants to play at a "bigger" club. The guy has been as mobile as a fucking lighthouse for three months.

Off course nobody will be mug enough to pay north of 50m, but if we get a concrete offer of 40m + then sell him. The guy has no hunger, he cost 10 times more than Vardy and Kane combined yet they embarrass him with their work rate. . .

Oh and if Stones is still angling for a move then flog him too. I'm sick of hearing from players who want CL football after they have failed miserably to earn it.

You don't want to play for this club ? fuck off

Roger Helm
221 Posted 18/05/2016 at 19:51:59
How many dud strikers have we seen over the past 20 years? The last goalscorer I remember was Yakuba, and he really was fat and lazy.

Now at last we have a top goalscorer, barely out of his teens, and people want to get rid?

Sure he has a big ego - isn't that a good thing in a CF? Sure he looked bored and uninterested (pedantic aside; not the same as disinterested -look it up) in the last few months - weren't most of the rest of the team the same under our failing former manager? Sure his dad's a knob - so what?

A new manager sensible enough to play to his strengths, sort his head out and get in some supportive new teammates and he will be back to his best.

Keith Monaghan
222 Posted 18/05/2016 at 19:57:57
Sick of all the rumours re Rom, but that's life in these agent/media dominated days. Fact is, it's our choice whether or not he goes.

I'd like us to keep him - with decent service i.e. quicker passing and ball played for him to run on to, he'd score more. He's our only decent striker, and the service to him has generally been very poor - very poor crosses and build up too slow. If he goes for very good money, I believe he is replaceable - problem is we already need one whether or not WE CHOSE to sell him.

One of our big needs is for a really decent creative midfield player - Ross quite simply doesn't look like he'll ever be one.
Eddy Bernard
223 Posted 18/05/2016 at 20:00:43
Sell him to the highest bidder and move on. Lukaku wont get any better, at 23 his first touch should be better and he cant really head a ball.

Watch Lukaku's goals and most of them are mis hits or scuffed shots, Mourinho is not often wrong.

Mike Green
224 Posted 18/05/2016 at 20:03:59
Darren #220 - you are absolutely spot on. It's the antithesis of this attitude that's won Leicester the Premier League and left us as also rans for God knows how long.
Michael Penley
225 Posted 18/05/2016 at 20:09:19
How do we know that we'll be able to sell him for more than we bought him for? Why is it that we haven't heard of any bids while just about every other player has been rumoured to have been wanted by other teams? We're always going on about how good Coleman and Howard are, have there been any solid bids for those two? Maybe Lukaku has to face the fact that he has to improve otherwise he's stuck here until his contract runs out.
Kevin Rowlands
226 Posted 18/05/2016 at 20:12:45
Eddie if you do just a simple search on why Lukaku was let go by Chelsea, Mourinho is quoted saying that he didn't want to fight for a 1st team place, tells you all you need to know about the lad really. Lazy, not a team player, bad attitude, gobshite, shit stirrer, it wouldn't surprise me one bit if he was causing problems in the dressing room. Everton will be better off without him in the long run.
Pete Ellingham
227 Posted 18/05/2016 at 20:14:27
Sell him for 45 million and put a bid in for Benteke for 9 million. He is a much better striker than Lukaku.
Martin Mason
228 Posted 18/05/2016 at 20:15:48
How much was Sterling to City? He's not worth Rom's left bollock as a striker.

Rom has a top future but not as a front man in a rigid 4-5-1 formation. Very few can and they will score few goals.

Eddy Bernard
229 Posted 18/05/2016 at 20:18:43
Kevin (227) Yes thought I had read that before somewhere, plenty of reasons to just move him on.
Tony Rutherford
230 Posted 18/05/2016 at 20:28:50
If he goes lets get that Gameiro from Sevilla!
Peter Roberts
231 Posted 18/05/2016 at 20:35:42
Imagine having a £15m striker that has one half chance and scores a goal in a final....
Tony Abrahams
232 Posted 18/05/2016 at 20:35:46
I really hope we keep John Stones, Darren. I know the kid has got a lot to learn, but how many times have you left the game thinking that Stones, is absolute quality? I can't say I've ever felt the same way about Lukaku.
Colin Glassar
233 Posted 18/05/2016 at 20:36:00
Gameiro is a good shout tony, but on tonight's showing they can keep their manager.
Stephen Brown
234 Posted 18/05/2016 at 21:57:41
Darren 220 I couldn't agree more! Where are the heroes for the youngsters in this team ? The 2 potential heroes just say they want to leave without achieving anything! 100m for this pair could be the sake of the century !
David Hallwood
235 Posted 18/05/2016 at 22:13:35
This isn't the first time a load of scousers that have been destroyed by coke
Pete Ellingham
236 Posted 18/05/2016 at 22:26:57
David @235 very funny!
John Davies
238 Posted 18/05/2016 at 22:49:28
The guy is nowhere near as good as he thinks he is. His old man's a twat. Anything over £40m for him and we should let him go. Sure we'll need to sign someone else but I will be glad to see the back of his big head.
Dave Abrahams
239 Posted 18/05/2016 at 23:10:29
Colin (233) a bit premature there mate, bet you love him now. !!!!!!!!
Tony Rutherford
240 Posted 18/05/2016 at 23:21:06
What did he say at half time!!!
Dennis Ng
241 Posted 18/05/2016 at 23:25:03
Dave 239 He's doing backflips right now.
Peter Laing
242 Posted 18/05/2016 at 23:26:06
The clown missed a hatful of chances at Wembley, including the missed penalty, hasn't scored in 9 games and spends most of his time sulking, turn the lights off on your way out Rom.
Andy Meighan
243 Posted 18/05/2016 at 23:39:00
Its easy. Wait for Martinez to get a new club and he ll pay £100 mil for him. Hang on... have Charlton got that sort of cash?
Brian Wilkinson
245 Posted 18/05/2016 at 23:45:23
25 goals, we would have struggled without his goals blah blah blah, I would take over £50 million all night long, over hyped, plays when it suits him and heart not in our club.

For those saying we will struggle without his goals, I give you one Gary Lineker in 86, seemed to do ok in 87 without Lineker.

Brendan Fox
246 Posted 18/05/2016 at 23:59:30
If Lukaku wants out then fine but the club have the upper hand given the length of his contract. It will be the club that dictates the transfer and not his old man spouting off to the press. Anything north of £40m and we should cash in.
Jack Convery
247 Posted 19/05/2016 at 00:11:39
Villa let Benteke go - just a warning. Goals keep you in the Premier League and the first thing the new manager must do is sort him out and get him firing again. When he's happy he's unplayable and to be happy he needs to know we are a club going places, ie, upward and onward and not to the Championship were Martinez was taking us.
Peter Roberts
248 Posted 19/05/2016 at 00:35:14
Does selling Lukaku mean that his replacement striker will score zero goals? He scored 18 Premier League goals, last year 10 the year before 15.... he's hardly Dixie Dean.

Honestly... Maybe with a striker who can control a ball and pass to his own man we may score more 'team' goals as well as the striker getting his share.

Tony Draper
249 Posted 19/05/2016 at 02:02:55
Those who want to spit feathers at Rom's ambition really need to take a bloody good look at this lads returns season upon season.

Here's the info, right here on TW:
http://ToffeeWeb.com/history/players/goalscorers.php

Now, if he doesn't play for us then we NEED to replace with better, because failing to do so has won us the square root of minus fuck all for 21 years. 21 years.

What I am plainly pointing out is that Rom has more ambition than far too many present day Evertonians. That, isn't Rom being in the wrong, it's YOURS !

Wake the fuck up.
Tick, Tock.

Fran Mitchell
250 Posted 19/05/2016 at 02:21:50
Have people seen the fees being quoted for French division strikers with less goals than Lukaku – £40 million upwards.

Murray at Bournemouth is being quoted at ™20 million.

So those who think anything over £40 million is good for Rom are 2-3 years in the past. £60 million at least.

Kevin Rowlands
251 Posted 19/05/2016 at 03:17:18
Totally agree Tony, he's so fucking awesome he's scored sweet fuck all in the last ELEVEN games, ONE goal vs top five, has told us through his obnoxious dad and agent that he is way too good for us, but hey like you say, it's all our fault.
David Barks
252 Posted 19/05/2016 at 03:53:39
Kevin,

Way to go pal. Ignore the fact that he's been the best striker we've had in decades, DECADES!! But people like you just want to get rid because he wants to be playing in the top competitions in Europe. And ignore the fact that the goals dried up at the end of the season when the club went into complete free fall behind a manager who had completely lost the plot, and wouldn't play people in the side who could actually provide support up top.

But this is what Everton supporters have done, just say "sell him, we don't need him". Because that works so well for other clubs to sell their best players. United selling Ronaldo has really worked out well for them hasn't it? The owners should be coming out and publicly state that this club will be appointing a manager that will have the expectations of competing to win the league, with a transfer budget to do so, and players like Lukaku are pivotal to that goal.

Lukaku is a very young striker who has already been our best striker in the premier league era. Why in the hell would people be calling for him to be sold? Agents talk, some player's parents talk. It's modern media. It's up to this club to prove for once that it actually intends to match these player's ambitions.

Eric Myles
253 Posted 19/05/2016 at 04:15:26
David #252, Utd won two Premier League titles back to back, and a League Cup since they sold Ronaldo.

So yes, things did work out well for them.

Their change of managers on the other hand, didn't.

Dennis Ng
254 Posted 19/05/2016 at 04:19:10
The good thing is this is by his father, not him. The bad thing is that he insinuated the same in an earlier interview.

Ambitious sure, but loyalty is important. He's on a long term contract. He was atrocious for nearly 2 months at the end because of this posturing for a move away. That is unprofessional.

He could have avoided the drama by being quiet and waited for a big bid to come. He didn't, so no one should be surprised that this is not well taken by fans.

He is young and needs playing time. Unfortunately for him, he can't see that none of the big teams would want him, maybe a fringe UCL team that needs a second striker. He can leave for the right price and be on someone else's bench.

David Barks
255 Posted 19/05/2016 at 04:20:25
Eric,

The change of managers isn't what killed them. It was selling off a young star in his prime while the rest of the squad aged, and the players they bought with that money never added up to his contribution. Jesus, the squad that won the last title for them was on its last legs.

Darren Hind
256 Posted 19/05/2016 at 04:54:20
Tony A

Stones plays the game like I want t to be played. I know he has his detractors on here, I also know that most of the criticism comes from the same few people. I don't/ cant respect the opinion of people who repeatedly blame him for goals simply by virtue of the fact that he is on the pitch.

He will be a world superstar and we will probably satisfy the philistines by replacing him with a solid dependable straight-off-the-conveyor-belt typical British lump. or worse still - FM . . .but you know as well as I do mate, nobody can be bigger than the club.

I can overlook the fact that his agent agitated for a move last season, but if he shows the slightest signs of wanting out this season we can no longer blame his agent, he must be released.

I'm happy for Stones, Lukaku or anybody else to get their heads down, pledge their futures and work like fuck for this club. Anybody who does that, gets my full support, but I cant stand the sort of "will he/wont he" summers we had with the likes of Fellaini and Lescott.

This is a new dawn and I'm for identifying the uncommitted and shipping them out early.

Ernie Baywood
257 Posted 19/05/2016 at 05:28:46
I'm past the point of expecting loyalty or commitment from footballers. I'd love it, but don't expect it.

Even when you do get it from players it isn't appreciated nowadays. People will talk about Howard, Hibbert, Osman being well paid and deny the service they have given. So it goes both ways.

I'll settle for keeping good footballers as long as we can. I don't believe Lukaku isn't chasing down defenders because he isn't committed to the club. He doesn't chase down defenders because he's a big lad and it's a waste of his effort. He stays sharp for the times he can have an impact.

So I figure it's up to us. We keep him or we cash in. I'd keep him as long as possible - could be decades before we see another goalscorer like him.

Darren Hind
258 Posted 19/05/2016 at 05:37:24
David Barks

His goals dried up after the Chelsea game because he had his head was in the wrong place - looked like he had his boots on the wrong feet too.

The guy thought he had "made it" after that Chelsea goal. The publicity went to his head, anybody who watched Everton regularly would have seen a very definite drop in his desire.

When I saw him try to take it round De Gea (Via Brent town hall) I said to my lad he will cost us today . .and fuck me did he cost us.

His goals did not dry up because Everton went into free fall, it was the other way around. Martinez's set up meant we depended too heavily on his goals and when he started missing chances my missus would have buried, we were always going to be in deep shit.

You say he is our best striker in decades, but that is mainly because we have never been able to afford one from the very top shelf . .now we can.

Amit Vithlani
259 Posted 19/05/2016 at 06:21:54
If we appoint a respected manager with a good reputation I have no doubts we will attract the right calibre of players - talented, hard working and committed to the cause. Replacing Lukaku will not be as difficult as it might otherwise be. He may even have a change of heart himself.

Without a manager in place this sort of shite for the next few weeks is entirely predictable, particularly from our loose lipped Belgians. Mirallas will no doubt follow stating his desire for CL football.

No one is bigger than the club, and history shows we have tended to respond well to sales of our big names. Lineker (Champions the following season), Ferguson ( replaced by Campbell and if I recall in the next season we subsequently finished in our highest position for 4 years), Rooney (4th the next season), Arteta, Lescott, Pienaar - no improvements but by Moyes final season we were back to 6th ie we banked the dosh and managed to get back to the level we were at, although Pienaar had returned by then.

Get a good manager in and we should attract good replacements throughout the team. Lukaku alone is not our ticket to success, although his scoring record has truly been outstanding.

Jason Pullen
260 Posted 19/05/2016 at 07:12:35
Mirallas will no doubt follow Amit? No doubt? I can only commend him for how he's handled himself this season given his shameful treatment by Martinez. The change in manager certainly showed in his performance last weekend. I hope he stays. Lukaku on the other hand, see you.
Fraser Auld
261 Posted 19/05/2016 at 07:44:05
Rom doesn't give a shit about Everton and never has, we've always been a stepping stone in his grand vision to become the best player in the world...well step on then pal and frankly, I couldn't care less!
Colin Glassar
262 Posted 19/05/2016 at 07:59:07
Amit agree with you 100% mate.

Rom is getting slaughtered on here by a few just because his dad wants him to move on so he can get a slice of the sale commission. Has he handed in a transfer request? Has he made a statement, public or private, saying he wants to leave? Has he let his mates "leak" the news of his future plans? Did he give a tearful farewell speech after the Norwich game? Did he throw his shirt and boots into the crowd as he waved goodbye? The answers to these are all NO, but that doesn't stop the knee jerk reactions, the vitriol, the insults, the insane dislike of the best striker we've had in a generation.

Luckily for Everton FC we have a new owner and, a soon to be, new manager who will make these decisions regarding our players not some of you lot with your sell 'em all mentality.

Peter Roberts
263 Posted 19/05/2016 at 08:26:03
Has anyone actually accounted for the fact that under Moyes strikers were used as front end defenders? They were t used as penalty box operators.

So when people start quoting Rom stats as being so great in a long time it's kinda because we never had Moyes, the destroyer of goalscorers who presided over our team for 10 years...

Lukaku is the most over rated player I have seen in a blue shirt.

Dominic Tonge
264 Posted 19/05/2016 at 09:00:07
Don't be getting too upset. Roger Lukaku wasn't tipping Rom to sign for us either on loan or permanently. In fact I believe there was a quote from Rom himself saying his Mum advised him to go to us- she identified that he was better off here. Rom is under contract, Too expensive for most to buy cash up front- and we don't need cash on the drip.
#RogerKnowsNothing
Dave Abrahams
265 Posted 19/05/2016 at 09:17:34
Colin (262), will Lukaku be at Everton next season?I would say that is very unlikely, Colin it is not knee jerk reaction it has been very obvious that Lukaku doesn't want to stay at Everton for a long period.

Colin a knee jerk reaction is giving up on Seville at half time.

Peter Roberts
266 Posted 19/05/2016 at 09:42:26
I'm anxious that we may not sell. He's 23 now, not the 20 year old man child with an awful first touch... he's a 23 year old penalty box finisher who looks like he should be a battering ram but really just isn't. His all round game is sub standard.

We could get alot of quality for the money touted. I don't think we will get more than his value now.

Amit Vithlani
267 Posted 19/05/2016 at 09:48:23
Colin - Personally, I am not phased if he leaves, provided we have a good manager installed who can replace him and he is sold for a fair price.

Were Mourinho, for example, to be seduced by Bill's fluttering lashes and his tales of yonder, then I fancy us to land some top players.

The point is, no one is bigger than this club, and Everton is a big club. Selling Lukaku, if he wants to leave, and signing a top replacement is just as much of a signal of intent as keeping him. You play for the club if your heart is in it, otherwise do one.

Dont get me wrong, I would love him to stay, be partnered with Morata or Aubameyang, and we conquer the world. That is the dream scenario.

In terms of him personally not asking for a transfer, it does not change the fact that people associated with him are spouting all this shite. It may or may not reflect his views, but it has created a storm of speculation, arising at a time where we have no manager. To be expected.

Jason - Mirallas has form in this area. He has been silent so far, I grant you, with nothing from his camp. Perhaps leopards can change their spots. We shall see.

Dave Abrahams
268 Posted 19/05/2016 at 11:04:52
Amit (267) you make a good point in asking has Lukaku put in a transfer request; no, of course he hasn't – because this would mean he would lose a lot of benefits from Everton. If he doesn't get the move he wants, no doubt he will ask for a transfer.
Fran Mitchell
269 Posted 19/05/2016 at 11:08:46
Agreed Colin.

People demand ambition, but seem to expect these foreign players with no allegiance to the club to 'dedicate themselves to the cause', tell PSG to do one publicly, all despite finishing in the lower half in spite of being the 4th best striker this season (imagine if the team was well drilled).

For some on here, they'd sell em all... Stones, Baines, Mirallas, and whoever else is good enough for other teams to want. Leicester fans must be fuming too, I mean all those players playing well and now getting interest from top teams. Greedy cunts.

Peter Roberts
270 Posted 19/05/2016 at 11:43:22
Fran, ambition? It's called damn right disrespectful.

Maybe we should all put this to the test in our working lives... Let's go into work and start piping up about how we deserve a better place to work and that in June we will be elsewhere. In the meantime, all your team mates are working on a project listening to this and watching you show zero effort.... I don't think anyone will put this to the test myself.

It all comes down to an overindulged player and starry-eyed fans.

Interesting if you look at comments from Liverpool fans last night... Sturridge scored a world class goal and never put in a shift... they want him gone. Compare that to us lot... we are just so grateful that a striker with a name bigger than Beattie or Beckford will play for us.

Paul Kelly
271 Posted 19/05/2016 at 11:50:15
Let him put in a transfer request and fuck his "loyalty" bonus, man up and ask instead of letting your dad pimp you around like a cheap whore, that's how I see it.

Cracking goal scoring record, new manager might reinvigorate him, but if his heart ain't in it, see yer, just don't see his old man making these comments unless Rom is behind it, just pure conjecture, but fuck him.

Shane Corcoran
272 Posted 19/05/2016 at 11:54:51
Ernie (#257), I don't think there were too many trying to prise Howard, Hibbert and Osman away.

I agree with your general point.

If an 18-year-old Everton fan won't give the club a few more years then nobody can be expected to.

Paul Kelly
273 Posted 19/05/2016 at 12:04:05
Jack " When he's happy he's unplayable ", then we shouldn't play him should we? , I've got a cd that is unplayable, it don't work. Am I missing something or has everyone latched onto that Manc right back who coined a phrase but couldn't manage in Spain even though cu ting everyone else off on Sky, step forward Carragher, your next.
Eric Myles
274 Posted 19/05/2016 at 12:14:22
David #255, the year Ronaldo left, Utd had scored 68 goals, the seasons following his departure are

2009 68 goals with Ronaldo
2010 86 goals without Ronaldo
2011 78 goals without Ronaldo
2012 89 goals without Ronaldo
2013 86 goals without Ronaldo and on their last legs

Yes, they sure missed his contribution.

Paul Kelly
275 Posted 19/05/2016 at 12:26:41
Colin @ 262, I would like him to stay, but its hard not to think he doesn't know what his old mans up too? If he (his dad) gets a slice of the pie, then surely Rom must know what's going on. After all, I keep in touch with my dad regularly and he ain't getting no slice of pie if I get a new offer (to shovel shit, not the best of jobs).
Alex Bonnar
276 Posted 19/05/2016 at 12:57:23
I think Lukaku will go and could be equally replaced by a motivated Benteke or even a revitalised Mirallas. Didn't he score about 24 goals in 30 games when playing as centre forward in Greece?

New manager – there's a challenge for you!

Neil Pickering
277 Posted 19/05/2016 at 13:08:29
He scored some goals yes but he's nowhere near as good as he or his dad think he is.

Fed up with his spouting off about playing for a 'bigger club', Champions League team blah blah. If he wants to go then it's to a Champions League club for no less than £50 Mil I would say, otherwise he keeps it shut and focuses on trying to play, week-in, week-out, rather than when the mood takes him, or his agent tells him to.

If he's going I would prefer before the Euros as well, otherwise his price will go down because he will stink the gaff out against good teams with quality defenders.

Jason Pullen
278 Posted 19/05/2016 at 14:03:14
Fair enough, Amit, I admit I am surprised he has been so quiet about his snubbing. Pleasantly surprised though.

Colin, Lukaku himself saying he's ready for Champions League doesn't help. I'm sure he could tell his dad to shut up as well. If he could be bothered. For all we know, he only ended up with us because no-one else wanted him.

Time will tell. If he stays great, but I doubt it. Although someone has to meet the asking price. That's not guaranteed.

Phil Roberts
279 Posted 19/05/2016 at 14:30:13
For a bit of satire -

Once again opinionated unelected Belgians are telling British people what to do.


Look – I said it was satire!

Alan Ross
280 Posted 19/05/2016 at 15:02:15
Am I missing something here? The Euros start on 10 June. The transfer window opens on 1 July.

Roger, I think you ought to check your facts before spouting bullshit about your lad. "Gone before the Euros". How will that be possible?

Ernie Baywood
281 Posted 19/05/2016 at 15:15:01
Wouldn't it be great to have Roberto telling us he's going nowhere? Just me?
Colin Glassar
282 Posted 19/05/2016 at 18:10:46
Dave 265, I'm as fickle as the next man. I thought Seville had gotten it all wrong hence my impetuous reaction. Emery any day for me

My point regarding Lukaku is, until he requests a transfer, he's the best striker we've had for years and it will be extremely difficult to replace him. I believe a manager who plays to his strengths will get the best out of him and he could easily bag 30 goals a season.

I'm not giving up on him just yet but if he wants to go, and we get what we think he's worth, then goodbye and good luck.

Darren Hind
283 Posted 19/05/2016 at 18:29:16
Colin

The guy has sent out more 'come-n-get-me's than a Nethy Road brass. As soon as he gets an offer, he's off – always providing somebody makes an offer.

Hopefully we will get a strong manager who will fire any shirkers out of the door and will not, like err... "you lot", be falling over himself with gratitude because somebody who has hardly broken sweat for three months is prepared to hang around until something better comes along.

Daniel A Johnson
284 Posted 19/05/2016 at 18:33:34
As long as we get the appropriate funds for him he can get lost.

He think he's ten tines better than what he actually is.

No Champions League club will put up with his lazy-arse attitude and 1 game in 3 effort.

We had one big match this season at Wembley and he lost us the match.

Bye bye, Lukaku, good luck being found out in a bigger pond.

Colin Glassar
285 Posted 19/05/2016 at 18:43:22
Not entirely disagreeing with you, Darren, but until he hands in a transfer request he can give all the mis-quoted interviews he wants, his agent can spout all the shite he wants AND, Roger the Dodger can go around hawking his son to all and sundry.

The fact remains he's under contract and we sell when, and if, we want to. The Bill and Dave show are no longer around to cower to players and richer clubs demands. Same goes for Stonesy, Funes Mori and any other sod who's thinking of buggering off.

Dave Abrahams
286 Posted 19/05/2016 at 19:06:03
Colin (#282), the Seville and Emery piece was just a gentle nudge in your direction, we all make hasty remarks, just made up that he got it right in the end.

Regarding Lukaku, I have never been sold on him as a great player, scores the goals and that is what the top clubs want. He will go for a big profit to Everton and there will be no shortage of clubs after him.

Whoever gets him will in the long run be disappointed in the package they get, that's my opinion anyway.

Gavin Johnson
287 Posted 19/05/2016 at 19:17:54
Sell him and buy:-

Milik £15m
Bentake £20m
Hakim Ziyech £12m
Joel Veltman £8m

£55m TOTAL

Colin Glassar
288 Posted 19/05/2016 at 19:33:18
Benteke? Benteke? Benteke, Gavin? Why?
Tony Abrahams
289 Posted 19/05/2016 at 19:39:18
Darren, he will be hanging round for a better offer for years, if he's been waiting on Nethy mate!
Gavin Johnson
290 Posted 19/05/2016 at 19:45:58
I quite like Bentake, Colin. My reasoning is that Milik is unproven so we should also grab a proven Premier league striker. So it would be between Bentake or Bony. I don't think there's much between them but Bentake edges it for me because he's about 4-5 years younger.
John Daley
291 Posted 19/05/2016 at 19:46:49
"Rom is getting slaughtered on here by a few just because his dad wants him to move on so he can get a slice of the sale commission"


Firstly, how do you know his dad stands to make a single penny out of any move? What's to say he's got a financial stake in his sons career? He could simply be speaking out of fatherly concern, under direction from his son or because he's bored shitless and the bingo was shut. Rom could be an absolute tight arse who wouldn't even shout his arl fella a fucking shish kebab when his next transfer comes off, for all you know.

Secondly, he's not being "slaughtered" solely for this one instance of spouting off is he? It's been a tri-annual event ever since he signed permanently for the club. The talking up of his own ability, the airing of his burning champions league ambition, the statement of his readiness to represent 'a big club', the feelers being sent out to try and turn a few sniffs into firm interest, the naming of clubs who are supposedly creeping around outside his bedroom window whispering "come and play with us Romelu".

Then you throw in the fact he decided to mentally take his summer break several months early whilst leaving his body stood out on the pitch and it's no wonder people are a bit miffed, bordering on pissed. I'd say there's a big difference between saying "if that's what he wants then fuck him off", or pointing out that he's not irreplaceable, or that we might not miss his presence as much as some people seem to think, and "slaughtering" him though.

You may say he (or his representatives) are absolutely free to do those things and it matters not a jot until he puts in a transfer request but surely that's all arse about face to how it should be.

Johan Elmgren
292 Posted 20/05/2016 at 11:30:45
Roger Lukaku: "Romelu will decide his future, but agents have the last word most of the time. I hope and I think Mino Raiola is an honest man."

Hahahahahahaha.... that was the funniest thing I've read in a long time. The words "agents", "honest" and "Mino Raiola" in the same sentence... Hahahaha!!!

John Louis Jones
293 Posted 20/05/2016 at 11:31:52
Read this morning £65 million for Rom and £40 Million for Stone.

£105 Million for 2 players snap there hands off.

Peter Roberts
294 Posted 20/05/2016 at 11:42:33
Just to be clear... have people been comparing Lukaku's value to us with that of Ronaldos importance to Man United???

I really have no words for that other than "get a grip"... one is player who consistently single handedly changed possession into a goalscoring opportunity from anywhere on the pitch. The other is a player who needs the ball played in front of him, not in the air, not too hard (or it may bounce off), not on his right foot and it needs to be in the right system....

Take off the belgian chocolate glasses and put the Stella down.

Stuart Gray
295 Posted 20/05/2016 at 11:47:54
Lukaku is still only 22, nowhere near his peak both physically and mentally. He does get more grief than other players even though I'd argue he has delivered more this term than other players.

Yes he switched off, but so did the whole team. There are so many players who we could criticise.

We should do all we can to keep this lad. He will only get better and has guaranteed goals wherever he has been. I think he has scored more goals than Christiano Ronaldo at the same age and he didn't turn out bad...

Peter Roberts
296 Posted 20/05/2016 at 13:36:00
He was only 22 on his last birthday before the last one. He's only 23 now.

"People tend to forget he's only 23"... well no, not really because it's rammed down our necks every time someone wonders why he can't control a ball....

I actually think think if he went out and committed a bank robbery he wouldn't get tried as an adult. The judge will say "you look at him and the fact he's been 6ft 4 and 14stone since he was 15 and you forget.... he's only 23. I sentence you Romelu Lukaku to no xbox for a month and no pocket money".

That said he'd probably drop the loot and get knocked over by a skinny 5ft 10 security guard.

Ray Robinson
297 Posted 20/05/2016 at 13:57:18
If Lukaku really did switch off towards the end of the season, it proves to me that he really doesn't have the mentality to become a top, top striker. From my limited experience of playing football, I know two things: a goalkeeper isn't happy conceding a goal even if his side wins 10-1 and a forward can derive great satisfaction from scoring a hat trick even if his side lose 4-3.

At one point he had the chance to become the Premier League leading goal-scorer! Why would he switch off?

Alan Bodell
298 Posted 20/05/2016 at 14:59:27
I hope the bids come in before the Euro Championships because
a), Marc Wilmotts hasn't seemed to rate him as a starter.
b), If the lazy twat does start and shows what he's shown us then the price collapses.
Come on you Champion League teams and get them bids in now.
Stuart Gray
299 Posted 20/05/2016 at 15:06:15
Alternatively he might become the tournaments top scorer...
Alan Bodell
300 Posted 20/05/2016 at 15:40:35
Stuart, take your optimism down the bookies mate you never know Leicester won the league this year after all.
Peter Roberts
301 Posted 20/05/2016 at 15:52:58
Stuart... 2 years ago he was dropped for a very raw Divock Origi who operated up front very well. Only when lukaku came on against an exhausted USA defence did he look any good.

Willmotts likened both Benteke and lukaku as lampposts in their qualifier against Wales.... Origi is 50/1 to be top scorer..... a few people have been alerted to this... he was 100/1 not long ago.

John Austin
302 Posted 20/05/2016 at 19:55:10
Good goal scorer on his day but his attitude was all wrong in the last quarter of the season. Then again he wasn't alone. He wants away so I say sell to the highest bidder. We always were a stepping stone in his career. Don't blame him for that but I do for not trying when the going got tough.
Sean Roberts
303 Posted 20/05/2016 at 21:45:25
Don't know if this is politically correct or not but I didn't think lazy bastards had fathers !!!
Eugene Ruane
304 Posted 20/05/2016 at 22:22:03
Sean (303) - 'Don't know if this is politically correct or not but I didn't think lazy bastards had fathers !!!'

Erm..they do.

In fact, though a bit rusty on my biology, my rudimentary knowledge of the subject is enough to know that (lazy or not) every single human ever born had a father.

The old football song 'Where's your father referee?' wasn't helpful as it finished 'you haven't got one, you're a bastard' which as I've pointed out, is inaccurate.

For future reference, the usual definition of 'bastard' is not fatherless but born out of 'wedlock.'

Something that, as an insult, may have been a zinger in 1909, but now has all the shock value of Val Doonican.

Sean Roberts
305 Posted 21/05/2016 at 09:18:09
well I guess that's me told !!!
Steve Davies
306 Posted 21/05/2016 at 13:43:43
What is it with Belgian dads? Fellaini's dad was just the same! Trying to get their son's to supposedly bigger teams etc...

I would take the money and run. Lukaku is a good player on his day with the right service. When not on his day he is totally dis-interested.

Tony Abrahams
307 Posted 21/05/2016 at 13:51:38
Steve, maybe Lukaku's agent has already been warned, because he said his client should never have signed for Everton?

This has put the onus on Roger, who could also be digging out his sons agent, who knows he can't do anything, because Everton want too much money for him?

Things move very quickly in football, but with The Euro's starting in three weeks, I can't see Roger, being right.

Tony Abrahams
308 Posted 21/05/2016 at 13:55:28
He's a clever cunt that Eugene, Sean!
Kieran Kinsella
309 Posted 21/05/2016 at 14:07:44
Can we lay off the Dad? He's not a public figure he's just a misty eyed parent with an inflated idea of his kids ability. The question isn't "why's his Dad talking?" It's "why are the media asking him stupid questions to stir the pot?" As for Lukaku, yeah he downed his tools but it must be frustrating when your team mates have no tools and your manager is a tool.
Colin Glassar
310 Posted 21/05/2016 at 15:50:46
I've been told that Rom's dad is to sign a two year, £10k p/w contract just to shut him up. His mum is to be the new Events Manager at Goodison.
Paul Conway
311 Posted 21/05/2016 at 17:11:02
The following quotes are attributed to Lukaku...

“In all competitions, I scored 25 times.

“In recent weeks (last season), Everton were difficult, as a forward I also depends on the performance of my teammates, but I still continued to work hard. I'm mentally quite ready to start this Euro (Championships in France).

And when pressed for an answer on where his future lies next season, he added: “In my head, I have already made a decision; we'll see.”

Sounds to me like he's already talking about us in the past tense!


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