Lukaku to consider his options

, 7 July, 122comments  |  Jump to most recent
'I want to play in the Champions League with a big club'

Unattributed quotes in the Echo suggest Lukaku "[has] the opportunity to stay at Everton".
Romelu Lukaku says that he will use the time off he has planned with his family to decide on his future now that he is heading home from the World Cup.

The 21 year-old went to Brazil with high hopes of lighting up the tournament with Belgium but though he played a crucial role in lifting his country past the United States with the winning goal in the round of 16, he had a largely frustrating World Cup.

Thoughts now turn back to domestic league football where he admits "he has choices to make" given the arrival at Stamford Bridge of Diego Costa and intimations from Chelsea that they would prefer to sell Lukaku than send him out on loan again next season.

Lukaku hasn't had any discussions with the club who brought him to England from Anderlecht but he has already hinted the he feels a move would be in his best interests.

I have a few ideas but we'll see, Lukaku is quoted in a number of newspapers today when asked about his future. I have to have discussions and have to think about it. I want to go home and rest a bit with my family and then I will decide. It will be soon.

Never shy about his belief in his own ability and potential, Lukaku feels that despite his comparatively tender years, he is at the point in his career where he can win trophies and that will factor into his decision-making process.

I'm 21 but I think I'm experienced enough now," he continued. "I've played a lot of games and scored a lot of goals and now I want to win titles and become one of the best.

"It's up to me to work hard but there are choices to make. Things like that happen in football and I'm confident I will make the right choice. I'm looking at everything but first of all I want to go on holiday and relax a little bit.

Roberto Martinez had made Everton's top scorer from last season his top transfer target before the campaign was even over and Goodison Park remains a potential destination for Lukaku should he wish to make a permanent switch to the Blues.

The Liverpool Echo cite unattributed reports quoting the player where he says: I have the opportunity to stay at Everton, it is a possibility and it is something we (my family and my agent, Christophe Henrotay) will have to talk about."

Speculation has it that Chelsea are looking for between 20m and 24m for the striker for whom they paid Anderlecht 16m; either fee would shatter Everton's previous transfer record of 15m paid for Marouane Fellaini six years ago.

Martinez faces competition from Atletico Madrid who had also reportedly made Lukaku their transfer priority this summer after letting Costa go to Chelsea but their reported move for Mario Mandzukic may mean he has been crossed off their shopping list.

Update Further quotes attributed to Lukaku by The Mirror restate his desire to play for a Champions League club and that he has no interest in being farmed out on loan for a third season.

What I don't want is to be loaned out," he states.

I am 21 and I have been loaned for the last two seasons. Thibaut Courtois was loaned for three seasons and will be without doubt the first-choice Chelsea goalkeeper. And Kevin De Bruyne has been transferred permanently to Wolfsburg. They are free in their heads - it is not my case. [A permanent move] would free me totally.

I need to make a good decision to reach the absolute top so that I can score a goal like Higuain against us. It is a dream for every attacker. Higuain has evolved slowly into becoming a top player. I want to show what I can do and play in the Champions League with a big club."

Quotes sourced from Liverpool Echo



Reader Comments (122)

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Duncan McDine
1 Posted 07/07/2014 at 06:19:06
It sounds like we've probably agreed a possible transfer fee with Chelsea, but he's holding on to see which clubs are in for him. I'd probably rate our chances as slim, but you never know. At £20M+ there are plenty of good strikers out there but I think Lukaku would be my favourite considering his age.
James Watts
2 Posted 07/07/2014 at 06:20:25
Quote: "I have a few ideas but we’ll see." Meaning: Barca, Real, Bayern, City come get me.

Quote: "I have to have discussions and have to think about it. I want to go home and rest a bit with my family and then I will decide. It will be soon." Meaning: if nothing better comes along in the next few weeks, I may consider Everton.

Quote: "... and now I want to win titles ....." Meaning: actually scrap that, I ain’t going to Everton.

Time to move on, Bobby, hope your other options are better than Kone & Traore.

"... and now I want to win titles..." — That rules us out then!

Kunal Desai
3 Posted 07/07/2014 at 07:01:07
If he is looking at winning titles and playing in the CL then he won't be coming to goodison park. We will not compete with the money bags of city and Chelsea for the title. Although we have a slim chance of CL football the fact remains utd and arsenal will still fill those other top 4 places unless we spend serious money on 3 or 4 top class players which won't happen under the current board.
Jim Bennings
4 Posted 07/07/2014 at 07:34:32
Great... another summer transfer saga of "Will he? Won't he?" that will no doubt drag on till mid August only for it all to end in the usual disappointment.

Lukaku probably has us as an option in his own mind in case a move to a Champions League club doesn't quite come off but would it be a permanent or a loan deal?

Brian Williams
5 Posted 07/07/2014 at 08:30:18
The absolute ideal scenario for us would be to get another season loan with an option to buy. That would free up money to strengthen in other areas while keeping a little bit of pressure on Rom to perform.

Yeh I know, things never pan out for us THAT well though.

Sam Hoare
6 Posted 07/07/2014 at 08:37:56
The RS are reportedly buying Origi for £9M who ousted Lukaku from the Belgium team and looked quicker and sharper to my eye. I'd be delighted if we got Lukaku for somewhere near the £15M mark but can't say his all round game merits £25M to my eye. Most likely our only shot at him will be on loan anyway though his poor World Cup showing may just have given us a sniff of a permanent transfer as other suitors look elsewhere...
Jimmy Hill
7 Posted 07/07/2014 at 08:50:10
Be honest, how many clubs winning titles in the best leagues are there? Real Madrid, Barcelona, Bayern Munich, PSG (2nd-rate league). I don’t think any of these will buy. His best hope is Atletico or stay at Chelsea who don’t think he is good enough yet. He didn’t exactly light up the World Cup and wasn’t even No1 striker for Belgium.

Everton are more than capable of the Champions League and winning one of the cups. I suspect this young man might not have the number of options he thinks he has.

Simon Jones
8 Posted 07/07/2014 at 09:29:35
Am I being a pessimist thinking I would not be surprised to see him across the park come August? They will be awash with cash if the sale of Dracula comes off.
Martin O'Hare
9 Posted 07/07/2014 at 09:29:31
I think we need him as the cupboard is pretty bare.

The RS have just payed £25 million for a one-season wonder who is 26 and an English flop, OK he’s not a striker but really nothing special.

Lee Gray
10 Posted 07/07/2014 at 09:43:07
He needs to improve his work ethic dramatically to be worth anywhere near that kind of money.
Andrew Hawes
11 Posted 07/07/2014 at 09:48:38
Lukaku or in fact any other player will not leave the Premier League while it is awash with cash and all players are on twice that of say the Spanish league in terms of wages.

I can’t see any of the top 4 sides who finished above us being interested in him so really his options are limited?? If he’s looking "to win trophies", how long does it take a player to decide his future? We’re talking 8 weeks since the season finished and I think we should call his bluff with regards to a decision.

Signing for a consistent top 5 club, on big wages, where he will be our main striker should be something he is hoping for – not the other way around!!

If he wants to sign for a club on our level, say Spurs or Liverpool, then we’re better off shot as he is all about money and not developing into a top player.

Robert Collins
12 Posted 07/07/2014 at 10:14:50
We are a last resort to him.

"I need time to think" translates to "For gods sake there must be at least one decent Champions League club who wants me?"

He really does not want to come to us unless he has to. He knows what we’re about, it should be a straight-forward decision (RM will have but a deal on the table), but I don’t think he rates us.

If he does show any decent form and we fail to get into the Champions League it will be Offski (within a year or two) and we will suffer all that "Will he? Won’t he?" crap and disruption to the team.

Andrew Ellams
13 Posted 07/07/2014 at 10:43:28
So the lad has been told he can move on by his current club and he has decided to weigh up all of his options before he makes a decision and on top of that he has been away on World Cup duty for the last few weeks. Give the guy a break.
Ciaran Duff
14 Posted 07/07/2014 at 11:48:31
Why does everyone think it is his decision? It will most likely come down to who can pay Chelsea the most money.
Tony J Williams
16 Posted 07/07/2014 at 12:03:06
Part of me likes his arrogance and the other part is screaming out, "Do one, you egotistical little prick, no 'massive' team is coming in for you, you little bellwipe."

Hope he signs for us though.... hmmmm.

John Haldane
17 Posted 07/07/2014 at 12:13:21
He's "benefited" from a good few months coaching from RM. Does he actually have the ability to learn how to be better?
Andrew Ellams
18 Posted 07/07/2014 at 12:24:31
Apparently Skybet has Athletico at evens to sign Lukaku but Everton have come in from 8/1 to 7/2 since the Mandzukic Athletico link picked up speed.
Michael Parrington
19 Posted 07/07/2014 at 12:22:40
The lad is quality and fits into our / Martinez system. I think the World Cup has shown how much he needs a manager to believe in him, and that Wilmots hasn't got a clue!

I'd love to see him at Everton next year. I can't really think of a striker that fits our system better, can you? Strength, determination, fierce left foot, young, and still learning.

James Stewart
20 Posted 07/07/2014 at 12:38:35
Origi first choice for £9M. Lukaku the sub for £25M, that makes sense...
Nigel Gregson
21 Posted 07/07/2014 at 12:43:48
He's just taking his time to make a decision. Cut him some slack. I'd love him back – he was huge last season and Martinez seems to know how to get the best out of him.
Mike Green
22 Posted 07/07/2014 at 13:18:02
Lukaku obviously thinks he's too good for us and also good enough to be regular first choice striker for a CL Club – but it doesn't look like there are many out there that agree with him at the price Chelsea are looking for.

Chelsea highly rate him as an asset but obviously not highly enough at the moment to offer him what he wants (ie, first choice starter / guaranteed regular in the team).

Everton seem to rate him enough to buy full time or take on loan again but most likely not at the level Chelsea rate him, or he rates himself.

So, the whole thing is a big "come and get me" from Lukaku who is in a bit of a no-man's land. He doesn't want to sit on the bench at Chelsea or spend another year with us or another non-CL club, so he's basically sending it out loud and clear that he's up for grabs – a plea which Chelsea will be more than happy with as they have a player they don't know what to do with, that they reportedly paid £10M rising to £17M for, who is slowly running down his contract and potentially his value.

If they can get £20-25M for him, I think they'd jump at it but it doesn't look like anyone's biting. So, all things considered, I'd offer £16M and a 4-year deal; if it gets rejected, say "Thank you very much" and go in search of someone else.

Chelsea make a bit on their investment, we get a badly needed striker with the potential to also make some money if we sell on, Rom gets first team football with the next best thing to a CL Club with the possibility of honours if he does his bit and also a club which he knows, if he performs, probably couldn't resist selling, should he cut the mustard.

And I imagine that is pretty much what he is left to think about – that we obviously aren't his first choice but are maybe his best choice. Whether we want a player who in turn thinks he's too good for us is what we need to think about.

John Pickles
23 Posted 07/07/2014 at 13:12:11
Pay Chelski £20M up front and a £4M add-on if we win the Champion's League. Simples!
George Pearson
24 Posted 07/07/2014 at 13:34:20
I hope we get him; he's only gonna get better with age. I think Blue Bill will try and get him on the drip though. Let's get our targets now and bed them in.
Robert Collins
25 Posted 07/07/2014 at 13:28:17
"I want to win titles".

Is there anyone on here who believes we’re going to do that any time soon?

Neither does Lukaku!

It’s obvious where his mindset is and I can’t see him fighting for our club. Last season he fought to get back into Chelski, it was purely incidental he was wearing our blue and not theirs.

If he signs for us, I just can’t see where his motivation is coming from, when his bubble is burst and he’s out of the CL / Title loop with an "also ran" club.

Mike Green
26 Posted 07/07/2014 at 13:44:36
Robert #25 - I think you're right but the problem he has is he's already with a club that's capable of winning titles that he can't get into. Maybe it's him that's the also-ran?
Andrew Ellams
28 Posted 07/07/2014 at 13:51:50
Chelsea are a car crash waiting to happen under Mourinho. If they misfire again this year, who will he blame? If it's the strikers then it is his fault now he has brought in Costa. If they don't improve on last season, then I can see Roman's trigger finger getting itchy again.
Nicholas Page
29 Posted 07/07/2014 at 13:06:48
Paying 25m for Lukaku is good business. He’s not ready for "a big TV club" just yet but in 3-4 yrs time he could be and his fee will almost certainly double if so. But I wouldn’t expect Billy Bullshiter to "get that", so i’m not holding my fucking breath.

Lots of activity at Mordor at the moment. The only reason those pricks are buying Origi is so they can gloat about how they, "got the better Belgian, lar" such is their attitude to everything. Once El Chupacabra has fucked off to Barca for a cut-price fee, they’ll be back to square fucking one with a load more expensive unheard-of’s and overpriced Englishmen fighting over 2 places.

Robert Collins
30 Posted 07/07/2014 at 14:02:03
Mike Green @ 26

Hello Mike,

I wouldn’t go near him at £20M, he’s a decent player but I think he’s not going to improve a great deal more.

The markets way too inflated, we need to look elsewhere unless we can get him on the cheap (which I doubt very much).

Isn’t it interesting that none of the big clubs are sniffing around him? Not even Spurs who must be desperate after paying mucho wonga for Soldado and reaping a massive return in goals.

I’d rather get down the M62 and snap Chicharito up from Man Utd, probably for less than £10M. There must be other talent out we can snap up?

Ross Hutchinson
32 Posted 07/07/2014 at 14:13:05
The reason his price tag is so high compared to Origi is because he is a proven goalscorer in the EPL and also for Chelsea to re-coup the £17 Million they paid for him. I think £20 Million is a good deal for him, he is still very young and will only get better.
Matt Traynor
33 Posted 07/07/2014 at 14:43:32
Ross #32, Chelsea has probably already recouped half of that outlay in loan fees – and they weren't shelling out for his wages.
Andy Boyer
34 Posted 07/07/2014 at 14:54:52
Why are we looking to loan Lukaku again and are apparently now in talks for Demba Ba on loan as well, I thought there was money available.....?
Brian Harrison
35 Posted 07/07/2014 at 14:54:05
I think he will be extremely lucky to find a club who regularly qualify for Champions League coming in for him. He lost his starting place in the Belgium team and probably wouldn’t have got a start had Benteke been fit. I would much rather RM went for the lad who played up front for Algeria, I think his name was Slimani.

The longer the Barry saga drags on the less likely we are to sign him. He was our most consistent player and probably the most important player in the system we now play, so for me signing him is far more important than Lukaku. This deal should have been tied up weeks ago. If we lose him because he wants to play in America, then fair enough... but, if we lose him to West Ham or Villa, I will be really annoyed.

Sean Kelly
36 Posted 07/07/2014 at 15:04:19
I don't think Lukaku is worth the money. Why put all your eggs in one basket when, let's face it, it's being proven there are other cheaper candidates for the position. If the Redshite and others can scout them why can't we?

The real worry is others are strengthening and we as usual are waiting for the scraps. Billy and his mates are up to their usual tricks telling us there is money but will come out in September and tell us they just missed out... only for the alleged money to disappear again.

Andy Meighan
37 Posted 07/07/2014 at 15:27:21
I've said this hundreds of times and I'm going to say it once more. Full of his own self-worth. Yes, he's good. But that's all he is: good. Looks disinterested at times and his first touch at times is abysmal. He needs to wake up and smell the beans. No European power house is going to come in for him.

And every player wants to win titles – unfortunately there's only four pots to play for and invariably these are gobbled up by the monied clubs. So either let Martinez know what he's doing or fuck off and stay at Chelsea. But, mark my word, he'll be in hospital this time next year, getting the splinters removed from his arse. The kid is a nuisance, if you ask me.

Nicholas Page
38 Posted 07/07/2014 at 15:46:04
You say, "if the redshite can scout them" — what like Borini? Net spend over there is £100M since Brendan "I’ve not spent any money" Rodgers came in.

Lukaku scored 16 goals last season. We had most points since 1987. That’s the reality. Do people on here reckon we’ll be able to bring in some worldy on the cheap who bags 20 goals and just fits right in, effortlessly? Michu had 1 good season. Lukaku has done it 2 years running so he’s no one-hit wonder.

Mike Green
39 Posted 07/07/2014 at 16:02:05
Robert #30 - agreed again, I think Hernandez would be a great signing. Get Lukaku for another year, have Naismith, Kone and possibly Traore chipping in and we could start totting up some goals.
Steve Pugh
40 Posted 07/07/2014 at 16:43:04
To everyone that this applies to (you know who you are) just because you like to use doublespeak and hidden meanings doesn't mean everyone does. Don't judge Lukaku by your own low standards, wait until you know the facts.
Carl Peters
41 Posted 07/07/2014 at 16:54:01
I don’t believe Lukaku is worth £20-25M, he went missing too much for me last year , and for that kind of money there must be better alternatives out there , but if he does come it needs to be on a permanent basis .

As shelling out £5M on him plus his wages plus the development on the player ... just does not make economic sense no-matter how you look at it, and the only benefits are going to be Chelsea’s rent a-player system, who were paying to make him a better player, so it’s permanent or not at all.

Paul Andrews
42 Posted 07/07/2014 at 17:16:11
Nicholas,

Who do you mean? Surely not "it is difficult to compete with the money other English clubs are spending".

Give him another £100 million. Misses out on the league by a few points and rips the side to bits? Let him bring a few more in.

Nicholas Page
43 Posted 07/07/2014 at 17:22:21
Paul, I mean scratching around for Billy Bargains is pointless when we should be trying to bring in Lukaku for £20-25m, improve him and cash out in a few years. By which point he’d only be 25. Suarez is 27 and is moving for three times what the RS paid. We need a top striker. Contrary to popular belief (on here) they cost money.
Raymond Fox
44 Posted 07/07/2014 at 17:03:40
We are not a 'big' club as far as Europe is concerned. We could be with some serious investment, but I guess we all know the score on that subject. You can't make players sign, their pros and you can't blame them and their agents for wheeling for the best deal.

The board have given Roberto a 5-year contract so you would like to think that they have also backed him with 'some' semi serious money. Don't hold your breath though!
As usual us fans want success now, it's only natural, but I think RM realises our only chance to break the glass ceiling is to develop our own young players, it's a long shot but we're never going to buy success.

Ian Hollingworth
45 Posted 07/07/2014 at 19:20:45
Hmmmmm... so if he wants to win titles, he ain't coming to us is he? Unfortunately for him, his piss poor World Cup means he ain't going to get too many big clubs coming in for him. I can forgive his attitude etc as after all he is a footballer and, to be honest, I have given up expecting too much from them.

However, this Everton board I cannot forgive. Roberto is manager – not you or me – so if he wants him, why is he not being backed? You might say 'wait' but do you really believe we will get real quality players in?

Look at the others teams' transfer dealings and do you think we can finish 5th again, never mind higher?!?

Bobby I trust... but he will soon find the board will be his achilles heel

Danny Kewley
46 Posted 07/07/2014 at 19:18:31
I reckon he is nowhere near as good as he thinks he is. Twenty fucking million QUID!! Okay so he has got an eye for goal sometimes and I mean sometimes! He is one of the laziest bastards I have seen up front for Everton for a long time.

Surely to fuck Bobby can find an up-and-coming young striker for a fraction of the price.

Linda Morrison
48 Posted 07/07/2014 at 19:36:42
I just do not want us to wait to see what the player wants, why should we.

Ask him what he wants and if he is waiting for a better offer look elsewhere.

I think signing Barry will be better for us.

Aidy Dews
49 Posted 07/07/2014 at 19:41:45
I don't know, maybe he'll sign, maybe he won't?!? Apparently we've had an offer on the table for him since May!

Chelsea by all accounts want £25M for him and we've bid slightly less (£22M I think, £12-15M down-payment, the rest over the duration of his contract) and it's down to Rom to decide where he wants to go.

He hasn't shown up well at this World Cup and that can only be a good thing for us. Chelsea clearly don't want him and have other ideas with regards to their firepower next season. I think Lukaku is hoping for a decent, regular Champions League club to come in for him but most don't want to pay more than £20M for him!

So we'll see how this one develops...

Nicholas Page
50 Posted 07/07/2014 at 20:51:45
Nothing wrong with having a bit of ambition, don’t knock it. Fuck me a few of the English morons could do with that. The lad speaks 5/6 languages and obviously has a bit about him OFF the football pitch, in a good way. He scored 17 league goals for west brom and 15 for us. Where are we going to find some cheap, unheard of striker that can guarantee that kind of return. Yakubu was the last striker to hit 15 in one season, and Moyes ruined him (and then ruined Jelavic). Unfortunately, £20m is the going rate now for young talent. Top strikers are going for upwards of £50m. He might be, with the right coaching. And he fits-in with the dressing room....which is a horrible cliche but at a club with limited resources, its a key factor. £20m could be £50m in 3/4 years. I don’t understand why its a bad idea? Chelsea paid £10m for him rising to £17m with add-ons (whatever that means). I think the lad is realistic enough to understand what Roberto is trying to do and how he can develop with the players around him. Fuck me, or Demba Ba on £80k/week!!!! Fuck that
Sean Kelly
51 Posted 07/07/2014 at 21:10:16
Nicholas,

What I was saying but didn’t make clear was if the Redshite are scouting Origi, then why can’t we? Rogers has bought some shite and long may that continue. If we have £25M to spend (which I doubt), I don’t think we should blow it on one player and definitely not Lukaku as he’s clearly not worth it.

Mike Childs
52 Posted 07/07/2014 at 21:22:19
It makes no sense to me that the board isn't all in for him. His value isn't going to go down. The most important attributes for a striker to me are a clinical finish and confidence which he has. Yes he can be lazy especially against the have nots his first touch and hold up skills need a serious upgrade. With a good first touch, the ability to take down a header, hold up the ball and the desire to pressure on defense all things he can learn his value doubles.

I do wish it was us paying £10 million for Orgini who's only 19.

Patrick Murphy
53 Posted 07/07/2014 at 21:38:20
Mike (52) - look at the latest Gareth Barry thread and then convince yourself that BK and the Board will really push the boat out to capture Lukaku - I smell another of those we tried everything in our power but my personal friends at Chelsea weren’t able to do a deal that was beneficial to Everton FC plus Romelu is an ambitious footballer and he thought it best to join Southampton/Liverpool/Spurs/A.N. Other delete as necessary.
Nicholas Page
54 Posted 07/07/2014 at 22:00:59
Patrick, that’s exactly my concern too. If Barry was so integral, and the cash so freely available (spending £2.5m on Goodison, lol lol.... poof –there goes the Barry money) then why the fuck isn’t he signed up now?

It’s typical Everton and typical Boys Pen Bill.

If RM is denied a few transfers/has been lied to he’ll fuck off somewhere else cos the man is ambitious... and talented (unlike Moyes).

Nicholas Page
55 Posted 07/07/2014 at 22:07:55
Bryan Oviedo will be ’like a new signing’.

The joke, as ever is on us...

James Flynn
56 Posted 07/07/2014 at 23:35:55
Nicholas - Even when I don't find it funny, I can see "the joke".

The headline was the joke? Is that what you were referring to?

Nicholas Ryan
58 Posted 08/07/2014 at 00:50:45
'I want to win titles and play in the Champions League' ... so, presumably he's off to Celtic!
Carl Peters
59 Posted 08/07/2014 at 00:52:11
Nic @ 50

Mate, you're talking about Kenwright here. He makes Scrooge look like fucking Rockefella, even talking about £50m would be enough to send him into a fit of wobblies to see an elephant off. As for 3-4 yrs, Kenwright can’t see past next week, unless you owe him money.

Jimmy Hill
60 Posted 08/07/2014 at 06:19:48
Sod it let’s build our own team. Sell a vision to our young and up coming players. Teach them that loyalty will be the winner in the new world and that the rewards will be there. This conversation over an average player at the moment is nonsense. In fact looking at the supposedly world stars at this World Cup is joke could nt lace boots of Alan Ball, pele, etc. this guys a joke in comparison like most modern players not worth the discussion.
Nicholas Page
61 Posted 08/07/2014 at 09:43:42
James @56 - "like a new signing"

Its Billspeak for make fucking do, you’re not getting any of this Sky/BT money cos er, its all needed to pay down the last instalment of the Beattie fee. That and Other Operating Expenses to the accounts (aka Directors Pockets). So fuck off.

Mark Pendleton
62 Posted 08/07/2014 at 09:51:25
Whatever he chooses, it's just that, his choice. If he joins Everton, I'll be happy; if not, then we got a great year out of him and we'll bring someone else in.

What I certainly won't do is be critical to him. In his year-long loan, he showed every bit of commitment and dedication to us possible, perhaps more so than some permanent signings, so he'll always be held in high regard by me.

Chad Schofield
63 Posted 09/07/2014 at 08:15:23
Well those chances may not come at a Champions League club as he's found out at Chelsea. He's just played in the "dark horse" best Belgium side possibly ever, and flopped. Signing for a current title challenging side will only add pressure... and may mean he's out on loan or rotting on a bench – look at Man City.

Tottenham are too fickle, so really it's us or Athletico if Romelo wants to be unchained from Chelsea. The only other place is unthinkable, but could happen if they loan out the younger Belgian striker.

James Byrne
64 Posted 09/07/2014 at 09:57:40
I think Chelsea will be considering his options, not Lukaku himself!
Trevor Lynes
65 Posted 09/07/2014 at 10:58:24
If we can get him for slightly upwards of £20 million then we must buy him ! He will improve to be a really top striker IMO and would be a great investment all around. He just needs a real playmaker to get the best out of him and we will definitely make money on him if he gets attention from a top four club. If he assists us in getting a Champions League place then he will be worth every penny.

We would have Lukaku and Kone to rotate and now we just need a player of top passing ability to provide ammunition. If we have Lukaku and Mirallas plus Barkley we can finally get into that top four slot so long as Roberto can find a top schemer. We really need to BUY two top players plus three or four quality loans to ensure we have a strong squad to meet our additional fixtures.

I do not want to see our bench places taken up by players who will not get a game. Young Garbutt is the only one of the youngsters apart from Stones who I would expect to bring something to the team if we are realistic in our ambitions.

Kev Wood
66 Posted 09/07/2014 at 13:45:14
Wouldn’t winning the Europa League count as a title? Like many, I’m not keen on how it might spoil our Premier League campaign and the Sunday games will annoy me... but we’re in it, so we’ve got to give it a good run.

Romelu has looked a bit lazy and uncompetitive for a while. He would benefit from my special summer training programme – lots of rare steak (with salad, pasta and as much fruit as he can eat) and one-on-one sessions with Duncan. I only want him in our new blue shirt if he is sharp, ruthless and committed.

James Stewart
67 Posted 09/07/2014 at 19:40:45
Mandzukic just gone to Atletico Madrid for £18M so I doubt they want to pay more than that on Lukaku.
Paul Smith
68 Posted 09/07/2014 at 20:09:21
I think it's now time for us to move this thing along as we're giving him too much power. If it was up to me, I would let Lukaku and Chelsea have a deadline of say another two weeks and if they have not made their minds up, we will move on to other targets.

This may make him and Chelsea think this is the best offer on the table, or at least put us in the picture if we've got no chance. We need to move on to our next targets soon if he is not going to sign.

Robert Collins
69 Posted 10/07/2014 at 16:54:31
We really have to abandon any interest in him after his latest comment about Ozil:

http://www.standard.co.uk/sport/football/no-disrespect-to-arsenal-but--chelseas-romelu-lukaku-takes-swipe-at-mesut-ozil-during-brazilgermany-clash-9593499.html

He’s having ago at Ozil for leaving Real to go to Arsenal, FFS if he regrades Arsenal as not a proper CL team, what must he think of us?

You have to question his psychology, he absolutely loves himself and believes he’s destined for greatness!

It’s a pity his performances aren’t matching his expectations, they’re all queuing up for him after his World Cup displays!

Paul Andrews
70 Posted 10/07/2014 at 17:18:01
He can call them all the cunts under the sun if he signs and continues his current scoring rate for the Blues.

Why should his opinion on an Arsenal player worry an Evertonian?

Roger Sunde
72 Posted 10/07/2014 at 17:28:36
"What I don’t want is to be loaned out," he states.

"I am 21 and I have been loaned for the last two seasons. Thibaut Courtois was loaned for three seasons and will be without doubt the first-choice Chelsea goalkeeper."

Doesn’t he contradict himself with this? I don’t get it.

Brian Harrison
73 Posted 10/07/2014 at 17:24:08
This Lukaku business just drags on and on, I mean it didn't take his compatriot to fly from Rio to Liverpool to discuss terms. About time RM grew a pair and told Lukaku he wants a decision by this weekend or we will look at other alternatives.
Paul Andrews
74 Posted 10/07/2014 at 17:39:32
Modern day transfer business doesn't work like that, Brian.
A much more complicated procedure.
Tony McNulty
75 Posted 10/07/2014 at 17:45:42
Brian,

I would echo Paul's comments. I don't think it's about RM growing a pair (and it is easy for any of us to get a little impatient when we know that there are gaps in the squad).

I suspect that for Lukaku RM is deploying exactly the same patient, supportive, respectful, gently flattering approach that he used so successfully in case of Barry. I am sure he is bringing to bear all of his psychological and other weapons to persuade Lukaku that Goodison is the best place for him. Nevertheless we all know he doesn't have the same financial muscle as others, nor the immediate appeal of the CL.

This one may well take some time. RM has already warned us that transfers are likely to go to the wire.

Mark Tanton
76 Posted 10/07/2014 at 17:54:44
Paul it certainly seems less complicated for every other club.
Darryl Ritchie
77 Posted 10/07/2014 at 18:02:02
Atletico have just signed Mandzukic, so it's very unlikely Rom's going there. He would be on the bench.
Paul Andrews
78 Posted 10/07/2014 at 18:03:58
Mark,

What other clubs have told a player "We want a decision by the weekend, or we will look at other alternatives"?

Mark Tanton
79 Posted 10/07/2014 at 18:10:20
That's not what I suggested though is it? I simply suggest that transfers elsewhere are smoother. Look at the Barry deal for Exhibit A.
Paul Andrews
80 Posted 10/07/2014 at 18:19:43
No. It's what I suggested.
Paul Andrews
81 Posted 10/07/2014 at 18:24:10
I agree with you, by the way, Mark. My point was to Brian.

Transfer business is not done by issuing ultimatums.

Patrick Murphy
82 Posted 10/07/2014 at 18:16:17
Mark - one of the major reasons that other clubs' transfers go through smoothly is because they can afford to grease the wheels by throwing large amounts of cash at the Agents, the selling clubs and whoever else wants a slice of the fee. Everton do not have that luxury and therefore it requires a great deal more patience from us fans.

On the Lukaku subject, the more I hear from him, the more I am wary of spending too much money on him. Being on loan, trying to get a place in your parent club's team is one thing... but moving permanently requires total commitment and at Everton, if he deems fit to join us, he will have to learn that his views will have to be more considered.

He has always been outspoken since he first arrived in England and probably before that too. Like all players attempting to make their way in the game, he would be well-advised to do all of his talking on the pitch. When he has scored plenty of goals in the Premier League and Europe and nailed down a starting place in the Belgium squad, he will have earned the right to criticise his fellow professionals.

Colin Glassar
83 Posted 10/07/2014 at 18:42:30
After Barry signing up (thanks to Roberto), I feel a lot more confident about Lukaku following suit now.
Geoffrey Caveney
84 Posted 10/07/2014 at 19:09:07
The big plus side of signing Lukaku is that we know he is a good fit for our system based on his performance last season. With most signings it is an educated guess and no-one knows for sure.

That plus is worth a lot. Look at what happened to Arshavin at Arsenal: one of the best footballers I've ever seen in Russia, but a bad fit sent his career into a downward spiral.

I don't care about Lukaku's place in the Belgium squad if he's scoring 20 goals a season for us. He does seem to thrive when he has extra motivation.

How about this: With us, he knows he has to perform well and score goals for our – and his – team to make the Champions League. If a CL spot is on the line, Lukaku is one player we know will be extra motivated to win.

Brian Harrison
85 Posted 10/07/2014 at 21:08:02
Sorry, guys, I was probably living in the past regarding transfers, I forgot that things have moved on. The days since Catterick had Colin Stein who was scoring for fun for Rangers came to Goodison for talks, Catterick told him he wanted his answer there and then. Stein said he wanted to go back to Scotland to think it over, some days later he was in the papers begging Catterick to sign him.

Catterick quite rightly said you don't make a club like Everton wait. We moved on and carried on winning, but sadly the club has fallen behind in the cash stakes so now we have to wait till his agent has trawled him all over Europe and, if nobody bites, then he will consider signing for us.

Tony McNulty
86 Posted 10/07/2014 at 21:29:11
Brian – if you are partly responding to me, then there's no need for any apologies here. I remember Colin Stein. What about Cloughie and the way he would keep players in his house for hours until they signed?

I genuinely feel that our manager brings a bit of an edge in the transfer stakes with his approach. Do you remember how Lukaku ran to him towards the end of the season? Maybe I am over-optimistic but I feel that whoever we get in, RM will: (a) improve them; and (b) find a way of mixing the ingredients he has available in the team to best advantage. And I think some players actually sense these things.

Paul Andrews
87 Posted 10/07/2014 at 22:26:38
Brian,

Those were the days! If hasn't changed for the better, agents are killing the game.

Kieran Riding
88 Posted 11/07/2014 at 00:23:20
Deal announced soon.

I couldn't be happier.

Phil Sammon
89 Posted 11/07/2014 at 00:31:16
You see, here we have a man I don't know from Adam saying 'deal to be announced soon' and my default reaction is to believe him and get instantly excited. What is it about football transfers that cause me to forego all rationale?
John Pickles
90 Posted 11/07/2014 at 09:21:50
SkyBet odds have been trimmed for Everton to 15/8 (although still behind Atletico at 11/8).
Andrew Ellams
91 Posted 11/07/2014 at 09:39:47
Perhaps deals at other clubs just appear to run smoother because we are not all refreshing other clubs' websites every five minutes expecting something new to have happened. Nothing is clear-cut in football anymore, there are just too many people involved.
Brian Williams
92 Posted 11/07/2014 at 11:13:53
If the Mirror is to be believed (I know, I know) when I read their back page story my stomach actually turned.
Again if any of it is to be believed, Bony's release clause is £19m and it would appear he could be on his way to "that lot."
He's 25, scored 25 times last season and in my opinion would actually be a better bet, certainly less of a risk, than Lukaku who may not even want to come back to Everton and even if he does we may not be able to pay what Chelsea value him at.
The thought of us holding out for Lukaku and missing out on him, while Bony goes across the park makes me feel sick!
I DO trust Martinez but bahhhhhhhhhhh.... fuckin' transfer windows piss me off!
Robert Collins
93 Posted 12/07/2014 at 10:39:36
Chelski happy to lower the price for Wolfsburg to get him out the door, he wants CL football then let him have at this glamour club.
John Crawley
94 Posted 12/07/2014 at 11:05:32
Robert 93 – er... Wolfsburg aren't in the Champions League – they qualified for the Europa League.
James Stewart
95 Posted 13/07/2014 at 01:26:10
A few sites reporting RS have come in with a bid. I really couldn't stomach that!
Robert Collins
96 Posted 13/07/2014 at 10:28:18
James Stewart @ 95

If they become involved his price goes up immediately, I hope the end up paying £30m+.

Sadly he’ll probably suit their counter attacking style more than ours. Although they might find he’s got one or two ball control problems.

Robert Collins
97 Posted 13/07/2014 at 10:35:21
John Crawley @ 94

True they come 5th this time, but they are very well funded team with a new stadium and in a league that is nowhere near as competitive as ours.

Once you go below Bayern and Dortmund, there’s not much happening in the Bundesliga, there’s 2 CL places available to any one of about 6 teams, Wolfsburg have an extremely good chance of the CL next year.

Lukaku if he goes there may well be playing regular CL footy.

Ron Sear
98 Posted 13/07/2014 at 16:31:09
Bit of news I just heard from somebody inside the club. The RS are offering £26m for Lukaku; if true, the derby is going to an affair of real bone-shattering hatred. Hope it's just a rumour.
Linda Morrison
99 Posted 13/07/2014 at 16:34:18
Ron I read that in one of the papers and I have to admit that, when Rat Face went, I thought this may happen. it would somewhat explain the limbo.

I'm not concerned if he goes there as the Everton lads know how he plays and he has a fair few games when he goes missing.

Roberto needs to forget Lukaku and go elsewhere as I don't want us starting the season depending on Kone alone.

Colin Glassar
100 Posted 13/07/2014 at 16:38:21
It is probably just a rumour, Ron, but that's more or less what he'll go for. I've read that we've offered £18m for him but that the club could be willing to spend up to £25m for him.

If it's of any worth, I think we'll smash our transfer record and buy him in the next few weeks.

Jim Knightley
101 Posted 13/07/2014 at 16:40:53
So Robert, do you rate Lukaku now? Given your previous comments on the last Lukaku thread, which suggested that the lack of interest from clubs (RS included) suggested he wasn't that good?

Lukaku going to Liverpool would be beyond horrible. On the plus side, I don't think they'd sell to a title rival.

Patrick Murphy
102 Posted 13/07/2014 at 16:44:08
Lukaku can go anywhere he wants to and, let's be honest, the Dark Side match his ambitions – at least this coming season anyhow. The thing that worries me the most is that Barkley and Stones (although we know the reason for the delay in Stones's case) have not yet signed new contracts. I can see Barkley being tempted into making the short journey across the park. Mind you, nothing's official as yet so we just have to hope this is only an agent's ruse to get things moving along.

Roll on September 2nd when we can all concentrate on the players we have got in the squad.

Paul Andrews
103 Posted 13/07/2014 at 16:59:37
Not a chance of Barkley going to our neighbours, Patrick. You can relax on that one, mate.
James Stewart
104 Posted 13/07/2014 at 17:02:24
To lose Lukaku to the RS would send a really poor message out. Are we serious about pushing for a top 4 spot or not?

Arsenal and the RS were our closest rivals at times last season and now Arsenal have signed a world-class forward.

We can't let the RS pinch our top scorer. What kind of message does that send to Stones or Barkley?

Man Utd will be a force this season again too so, to remain competitive, we need to sign at least four first-team quality players.

Ian McDowell
105 Posted 13/07/2014 at 17:21:55
I expect a decision on Lukaku and by him at the end of this week. I don't believe transfers are as easy as we the fans expect. Even the players have much to think about with families, kids and moving etc and thats before agents and clubs have there say regarding financing the deal.

I do like Lukaku and he seems a mature and educated young man. Lots still to leaner but bags of potential. I'm still 50/50 on weather to spend 18-23 million on him.

Colin Williams
106 Posted 13/07/2014 at 17:54:33
Much prefer Origi – Why? Due to superior natural ability, technique and better athletic movement. He has the ability to turn with ball in a variety of ways, excellent in instant touch technique; the creativity to produce the unexpected in the right place at the right time and possesses great ball control skills when passing, receiving, retaining and running with the ball.

In short – he is better suited to our type of football.

Also... under HALF the price!!!

Robert Collins
107 Posted 13/07/2014 at 23:36:07
Jim Knightley @ 101

My opinion is the same as before.

The more the RS pay for him the better as far as I’m concerned, I hope they do an Andy Carroll with him.

Brian Wilkinson
108 Posted 14/07/2014 at 15:56:39
Nicholas £100 million net spend for Rogers, are you forgetting they clawed most of that back with sale of Suarez and Carroll.

Anyway back to to the article, My opinion along with others is Lakaku is stalling for time, waiting to see if any of the big fish bite and sign him up, if not then Everton will be his safety net, cannot blame the guy one bit knowing if a champions league team does not come in, he has Everton.

Its a bit like a saturday night out, you seek the Angalina Jolies out, but you also have a 1.50am last resort on stand by as a marker, weve all done it, well the male contignent anyway, and thats how its beguinning to feel like with Lakaku, we are the 1.50 am last resort.

Robert Collins
109 Posted 14/07/2014 at 16:35:13
Brian Wilkinson @ 108

I’ll have to dig out my brut aftershave and sequined shirt now, you’ve got me pining for the Grafton!

Peter Laing
110 Posted 14/07/2014 at 16:52:37
Seems a bit ominous for me that Lukaku will probably end up across the park. The RS are still smarting from the sale of Suarez and it would help to appease a large section of their fan-base if they were to steal our leading goalscorer from last season from under our noses. Lukaku has stated that he wants champions league football and Martinez appeared a bit cryptic last week in saying he preferred to remember the past with Romelu. We definetely need a Plan B as Traore is not the answer.
Ray Roche
111 Posted 14/07/2014 at 17:00:45
Peter, I thought they were buying Bony. Or Bono. Or Bonio.
Brian Wilkinson
112 Posted 14/07/2014 at 18:21:35
I'm certain Kenwright would come out empty handed, even at the Grafton, Robert.
Colin Glassar
113 Posted 14/07/2014 at 18:46:38
Lukaku wouldn't fit into the RS side. They tried with Andy Carroll and we all know how that worked out. Brenda will want the finished article, eg, Bony or Remy – not a player who still needs a couple of more seasons to mature.
John Pickles
114 Posted 14/07/2014 at 23:49:53
SkyBet now have us as favourites at 1/2 to sign Rom.

Maybe, just maybe.........

Colin Glassar
115 Posted 14/07/2014 at 23:54:56
You'll have us all in a pickle now, John. Fingers crossed though as the bookies are generally right.
James Marshall
116 Posted 15/07/2014 at 09:43:27
Weird that we're still favourites with every bookie in the land, given that Lukaku keeps harping on about wanting to play for a 'big club in the Champions League' and all the papers are crowing about them over the road.

It would be a real shame if he went to the dark side.

Phil Sammon
117 Posted 15/07/2014 at 09:59:43
Colin

'The bookies are generally right' because they swap and change their odds depending on the sway of demand. Of course they always end up right, because they keep on taking people's money until it is no longer financially viable.

Gary Mortimer
118 Posted 15/07/2014 at 11:04:51
Brian @112

But he'll have Jenny waiting at home, so he's just looking – anyway he left his wallet at home (again).

Brian Wilkinson
119 Posted 15/07/2014 at 14:34:31
Problem solved, Gary: Bill's been the Grafton and got his 1:50 am special in Joe Royle as backup.

Dig those boots out, Joe, have a feeling you just maybe lacing them up for the coming season.

Jimmy-Åge Sørheim
120 Posted 15/07/2014 at 14:49:03
My view on Lukaku is that his ego and attitude is the same as Drenthe when he first came here. We all know what happened to Drenthe.

I would stay away from Lukaku unless we got him for £18 million or less.

Whatever way you look at it he is a huge risk for that kind of money.

I would prefer Bony a lot more.

My problem with Lukaku is his attitude on and off the pitch. He talks like he is the next Maradona, but his ability in the air and his work rate is really poor.

I think he needs a reality check, and Martinez could provide that.

All-in-all, I think Martinez should look at another more finished product, though one would think he already was given his asking price.

His bad World Cup has to affect his value, he is not worth £20 million.

Jay Harris
121 Posted 15/07/2014 at 19:16:18
Jimmy any player is worth what the market will pay for him.

Having said that subsequent performances influence the sell on value and some expensive flops prevail. Torres being a prime example.

However I think at 20 million Lukaku is a fairly safe investment. He is young, proven and so what if he has a bit of swagger, don't they all these days.

Paul Andrews
122 Posted 15/07/2014 at 19:27:17
Well said Jay.
A win win situation if we buy Lukaku.

Ray Roche
123 Posted 15/07/2014 at 19:35:35
Jimmy@120

Jimmy, I think you do Lukaku a disservice. He is an intelligent young man who speaks six languages and who has confidence in his own ability.

Drenthe was/is a gobshite surrounded by would be gangsters and hangers on, a man who didn't deserve the talent he was born with. He is currently without a club, as I believe.

Ernie Baywood
124 Posted 16/07/2014 at 11:26:03
Phil #117, that maybe so but movement would generally tell you that something is happening. We're now 1/2 favorites for him to be with us (1/8 on Betfair). Staying at Chelsea 2nd fav at 4/1.

That's more than reacting to gut feel from a wide section of punters isn't it?

And in the absence of a general transfer thread, our supposed chase of some Colombian named Bacca has given us the headline "Everton chew over Bacca transfer". Which is good to see even if nothing comes of it.

Ernie Baywood
125 Posted 16/07/2014 at 11:32:42
Actually scratch those Betfair odds. Something strange with them.
Patrick Murphy
126 Posted 16/07/2014 at 11:51:58
That Bacca link was also accompanied by a rumour of a firm bid for Norwich City's Redmond and a price of £31M for Lukaku. I would suggest that the chase by all of the top clubs for strikers means we will have to wait for the domino effect before we know which striker we will end up with.
Colin Glassar
127 Posted 16/07/2014 at 11:55:38
Skybet 1/2. It's not just the punters putting their money on, Phil, these bookies have inside info a lot of the time.

Jimmy S, you are one moaning so-and-so. Give it a rest, lid, as Roberto usually proves you are wrong.

Nicholas Ryan
128 Posted 16/07/2014 at 23:37:32
'I want to play in the Champions League, with a big club...' I keep telling everyone, he's going to Celtic!!

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