No movement on three deals as Everton stand firm over Deulofeu

Wednesday, 18 January, 2017 55comments  |  Jump to most recent
Richard Heathcote/Getty Images

AC Milan are working their angles to try and sign Gerard Deulofeu on loan this month but their pending change in ownership means they cannot accept the only terms Everton appear to be offering.

Meanwhile, Ishak Belfodil's transfer from Standard Liege to Goodison Park appears to be off for the time being, while reported interest from the Blues in Memphis Depay has waned as Lyon close in on a permanent deal for the Dutch international.

Deulofeu is said to be looking at his options during the current transfer window as he seeks regular first-team football, having been frozen out of the first team for the past month apart from a cameo against Leicester in the cup the weekend before last.

The Spaniard weighed in with an assist to Romelu Lukaku in that match but found himself out of the matchday squad again a week later for the visit of Manchester City, perhaps because of ongoing talks with Milan over his future.

Article continues below video content


The Serie A club are keen to take him on loan for the rest of the season but while English media sources like BBC Sport report that the two sides are at an impasse because Everton are insisting on a loan fee, Milan CEO Adriano Galliani claims the snag is the Blues wanting an obligation to make the transfer permanent in the summer.

The Italians are unable to commit to such a deal while they await the completion of a takeover by a Chinese consortium but Galliani says he is willing to go to Barcelona as well to see if there is leverage there to resolve the situation. The Spanish giants have an open clause in the terms of Deulofeu's sale to Everton in 2015 whereby they can re-sign him for a pre-agreed fee at the end of this season.

“It's neither getting more complicated nor more simple,” Galliani told reporters. “The positions are very simple: we're offering a straight loan, or a loan with an option to buy. They're asking for a loan with obligation.

“You're all well aware that we can't do loans with obligations because of contractual commitments [with the new owners].

“Will I go to Spain to talk with Barcelona? I'm ready for anything, the only thing we can't do is a loan with obligation.”


Update Sky Italia's Gianluca DiMarzio has apparently reported that Everton are now open to allowing Deulofeu to join Milan on loan with an option to buy rather than obligation.


While Deulofeu is another potential outgoing loanee, Depay was being considered by Ronald Koeman and Steve Walsh as an incoming loan signing this month but appear to be on the other side of the equation where Manchester United are concerned. Jose Mourinho had made it clear that the winger will only leave in a permanent deal and Everton's management team would prefer to bring him in on a temporary basis to assess his form and mentality.

Lyon, meanwhile, have reportedly agreed a fee with United that could rise to 25m Euros while Everton could look elsewhere for reinforcements following Yannick Bolasie's long-term injury and Deulofeu's potential departure.

Finally, it is looking increasingly less likely that Belfodil will become a Blues player this month, with snags in the deal being blamed on everything from interference from outside agents to cold feet on Koeman's part with regard to the player himself.

DH in Belgium who first reported that a fee had been agreed, report that it was Everton who introduced agent Christophe Henrotay into the negotiations in a bod to grease the wheels of the deal which did not go down with Belfodil's camp.

West Bromwich Albion have quickly been installed as suitors for the Algerian who has been in impressive goalscoring form for Liege after three or four barren years as he has moved from Italy to Abu Dabi and then to Belgium. Everton reportedly had a £10.4m deal agreed for the 25-year-old but negotiations have stalled.

 

Reader Comments (55)

Note: the following content is not moderated or vetted by the site owners at the time of submission. Comments are the responsibility of the poster. Disclaimer


Brian Williams
1 Posted 18/01/2017 at 18:36:16
Hmmmm.... I wonder if that's us done for the window then, as far as incomings are concerned?
Lyndon Lloyd
2 Posted 18/01/2017 at 18:41:21
I actually think it's more an indication that we have other targets and want to keep our powder dry for those.

I would imagine we have £20m-plus to blow on Depay this window but I don't think Koeman/Walsh were convinced it was worth the risk.

Chris Williams
3 Posted 18/01/2017 at 18:46:03
AC Milan want him on their terms by the sound of it, no fee and no commitment to buy. A lot of crap in the press from their geezer for whatever reason.

Tough titty lads. Now bugger off. Maybe ECHR might help.

Belfodil deal has been largely played out in the Belgian media. So who knows? Who cares?

Koeman said he liked Depay pre Christmas, but that's the only evidence we have that any further discussions have taken place. If we wanted him on loan and they want to sell move on.

QPR it is said wanted Kone but jibbed at having to pay any of his wages. I know we take our civic obligations seriously but given the kings ransom they have spunked up the wall in recent times, if true, they have a bloody cheek.

But again, we don't know. All in the press, overwhelmingly bullshit.

Believe it when it happens...

Mark Morrissey
4 Posted 18/01/2017 at 18:56:16
Perhaps with Belfodil falling through we may have to hold onto Kone until the Summer.

I can only hope that we can find a home for McGeady, Gibson and Lennon this window and if Jags is allowed to go to Sunderland as I've read today, that a big name is set to replace him because they are big boots to fill.

Yes, he's past his very best days but he's been solid overall and we will need a Van Dijk or similar to replace and improve because it's not about like for like anymore. We have to move up a grade to compete at the top.

Colin Glassar
5 Posted 18/01/2017 at 19:00:45
Just keep him. He's one of our most (frustrating) talented players.
Alan Humphreys
6 Posted 18/01/2017 at 19:02:46
"You're all well aware that we can't do loans with obligations because of contractual commitments [with the new owners]."

“Will I go to Spain to talk with Barcelona? I'm ready for anything, the only thing we can't do is a loan with obligation.”

So if you want him and the only thing you can't do is a loan with obligation – buy him then!

Alan Bodell
7 Posted 18/01/2017 at 19:05:44
I really like this guy and he has fitted in so well to the club and with more movement up front he would and could have been lethal so I see why top clubs want him.

He has sat on the bench without a complaint so, unless we get more mobility (Ademola is a work in progress) then I think it would be best for Geri to go somewhere where he can shine.

Peter Morris
8 Posted 18/01/2017 at 19:20:04
To be honest, it wouldn't break my heart of we are done for this window. I realise that if Rom suffers an injury we could be badly exposed, but I'd rather have to do without than bring in another Niasse. That's just plain embarrassing!

Anyway, I hear Berbatov is a free agent so we could sign him until the end of the season as a stop gap – he'd be a better bet than that lumbering lump Kone, and it would also really piss the shite off!

Ha Ha!
Stephen Davies
9 Posted 18/01/2017 at 19:27:17
Reports are that there is a buy-back clause for Man Utd. What's the point of that for the buyer after spending that much money?

If he returns to good form with no issues, they will want him right back. No wonder we pulled out.
Stan Schofield
10 Posted 18/01/2017 at 19:58:24
Fuck it, let's just keep him, he's just too good to not keep. If others of lesser ability and contribution can be given a new contract, then Delboy should stay.
Sandra Bowen
11 Posted 18/01/2017 at 20:03:00
Maybe with Lyon getting Depay we can reignite our interest in Ghezzal. If we were to get in a proper beast of a centre half too then what a window it could potentially turn out to be.
Keith Johnson
12 Posted 18/01/2017 at 20:03:10
We still need a support attacker, a central defender and a goalkeeper.

And if Luke Shaw is up for grabs, he might be worth a punt.
Ian Hollingworth
13 Posted 18/01/2017 at 20:15:45
Let's hope we don't fall into the trap of thinking everything is rosy after the Man City game.

We still need better players as we need to build a squad to compete for the league and finish top 4 as a minimum. Finishing 7th is not and should not be acceptable.

Soren Moyer
14 Posted 18/01/2017 at 20:38:56
It would be a big mistake if we start to think that everything is topsy-turvy after the Man City result. We really need more enforcement to even keep our current 7th position. Even Leicester City scored 4 against Man City.
Trevor Lynes
15 Posted 18/01/2017 at 20:44:17
If Jags is allowed to leave then we need a top quality centre-back. Jags has been a tremendous servant to EFC and formed a fantastic partnership with Distin during the seasons when the defence carried the attack. He and Baines have been great Ambassadors for the club both on and off the field.Today's real club players are very few and far between in the climate. Lets hope that the transfer window business is not ended without bringing in players to improve the squad. All the chat about the kids is really premature and more quality players are required if we are to challenge the top six.

Looking at the present situation it seems that the boardroom want to ship a few out before we bring in more quality. Moyes cannot loan in any players and I cannot see him letting Kone go whilst this relegation battle is going on I would try for Smalling as he is proven at the top and I rate him higher than Cahill and Jones. He does not need to be brought up to pace in the Premier League so would be an excellent acquisition.

The only other centre back in his class would be Van Dijk but he would cost more I think. Not because he is better than Smalling but he is playing regularly.

Sam Hoare
16 Posted 18/01/2017 at 21:15:52
Leon Bailey being tenuously linked, young livewire winger. Sounds a bit like...
Nigel Munford
18 Posted 18/01/2017 at 21:25:39
Keith, I thought Shaw was a left back?
Brian Hennessy
19 Posted 18/01/2017 at 21:33:18
I would be really disappointed if we let Deulofeu go.

Okay he hasn't been consistent... but he has bags of potential.

If we really are a "rich" club now, we should hold onto him. If Koeman feels he has enough players after this window, then maybe, just maybe loan him (but with no option to buy) for the rest of this season to another Premier League club to see how he fairs.

Steven Kendrew
20 Posted 18/01/2017 at 21:42:00
I'm with you Brian (#20). Brilliant on his day, and, like Barkley (but more), he needs to develop his game. Keep him.
Jason Broome
21 Posted 18/01/2017 at 21:53:16
Deulofeu is the best winger we have and possibly the most skillful at the club. Usually whenever he plays Lukaku scores. He is still young and hasn't peaked yet and he loves the club.

Quality players need quality time on the pitch to which he hasn't had. At this stage it won't hurt to play him. Makes no sense to loan him to anyone.

Paul Setter
22 Posted 18/01/2017 at 22:03:59
Lennon & Valencia stay and Deulofeu goes, isn't that the way forward??

This will bite us in the arse. Frustrating he is but he does put in a good ball and scares the shit out of defenders. For me he stays, it's a no-brainer

Sam Hoare
23 Posted 18/01/2017 at 22:10:54
Trouble is nearly all wingers have a good day where they make defenders look foolish and lay goals on a plate. The difference between a good winger and a great one is how often they do it.

Deulofeu is too inconsistent. Perhaps he will get better but he has not really shown much improvement in the last 2-3 years, has he?

I'd be disappointed to see him go, more for the promise he has not yet delivered on than the loss of him as a playing option.

Dave Abrahams
24 Posted 18/01/2017 at 22:13:36
Deulofeu has his faults and frustrates the life out of me, but he sees things that no other player in the club does.

Maybe the game in England is too tough and strong for him, but like others would like to see him given a few games just behind Lukaku, in the position he plays for the Spanish U21s.

I think he can be a very good player in the future; I would like it to be with Everton.

Keith Johnson
25 Posted 18/01/2017 at 22:13:36
Hi Nigel. Yes, Luke Shaw is a left back. I was thinking he would be good cover for Baines we are short in that position.
Trevor Lynes
26 Posted 18/01/2017 at 22:31:58
Most of our players are inconsistent. In fact, the most consistent players we have are defenders. None of our midfielders or wide men are consistent.It seems foolish to loan out Deulofeu and continue with Barry and Lennon. Perhaps it is because neither of those two would be wanted anywhere else and, let's face it, neither will want to insist on playing. Deulofeu is young with a long career in front of him.

We are actually short of wide players because Valencia is only on loan and Lookman is an unknown so far in the Premier League. Losing Bolasie was a tremendous blow IMO as playing in front of Schneiderlin who knows how to pass the ball would bring the best out of him. We really only have Mirallas to play out wide so Deulofeu leaving will leave a hole.Lennon works hard enough but he is nearing the end of his career and his best days are behind him, otherwise Spurs would not have unloaded him.Man Utd have some decent players who are not in favour at present and I would be looking to Smalling at centre back if Jagielka is on his way out. Deulofeu should stay until the summer. McCarthy has supposedly said he wants away but I would keep him until the summer too. McCarthy is a good back up at wing half (defensive midfielder) for Gueye, Barry or Davies.

Our priorities in losing squad players is getting rid of Gibson, McGeady and to a lesser extent Kone. I don't think that buying Valencia is a good idea as he is not top six standard and that must be our aim.

Bobby Thomas
27 Posted 18/01/2017 at 23:06:36
Trevor (#15),

Smalling is proven, for sure. At being decent but not top class, and accident and error prone. Van Dijk is not in the same class as Smalling. He is streets ahead of him.

Tom Bowers
28 Posted 18/01/2017 at 23:20:38
I feel sorry for Deulofeu. He undoubtedly has talent and is still young but, like many prodigies, fails on his decision-making and finishing pass, a bit like Sterling but without the extensive playing time.

Another thing is that he lacks that defensive side that many managers want from wing players. He can be electric on his day but the Premier League may not be the place for him. Probably Holland or Belgium.

Jim Harrison
29 Posted 18/01/2017 at 23:23:38
Love Del, when he is up for it. Problem is he isn't up for it often enough. And he doesn't put the running in. We saw exactly how Koeman wants his team to perform this weekend.

The Lad needs to accept he has to put more effort into pressing and general work rate to succeed under Koeman, and I think the boss is right.

Mike Gaynes
30 Posted 18/01/2017 at 23:24:46
Sandra (#11), Foot Mercato reports that Everton are, in fact, in talks for Ghezzal right now. The problem is, so are Arsenal, Atletico Madrid, AC Milan and Valencia. We're not going to beat out that lot, unless we're ready to spend a whole lot of money.

Trevor (#15), I saw several rumours about Smalling two weeks ago but nothing since. Granted, he'd be an upgrade on what we have at CB, but perhaps not enough of an upgrade to be worth what he'd cost, and I'm dubious Mourinho would sell him to the team one place behind Man Utd. And most of all, I just don't believe for a minute that RK will sell Jags in this window.

Jason (#21)... regarding "Usually whenever he plays Lukaku scores"... you need to step out of that time machine, son. You're stuck in 2015.

On that same note, Paul (#22), you're the latest to propound the hoary old legend that Geri "scares the shit out of defenders." Fact is, he hasn't scared anything larger than a stray cricket in over a year... the defenders now have him well-scouted and completely figured out. They know the pony's one trick. I don't have a problem keeping him because he might contribute again if he can grow his game, but for right now he's a late-game novelty act.

Gordon Crawford
31 Posted 18/01/2017 at 23:31:44
Geri needs to stay. He is better than what we have. Until we have better he shouldn't be allowed to leave.

I also think we should avoid Depay and this striker. The worrying thing for me is that our spending could have come to an end. I would be pissed if that was the case. And it would show a real lack of ambition. We need two to four more players in.

Anthony Dwyer
32 Posted 19/01/2017 at 00:23:28
AC Milan should be told to fuck themselves, along with any club who don't want to pay the loan or transfer fee of Geri.

He may be out of the fold at us, but he's on display every time Spain U21s play!

I for one would keep Geri, but if that's not to be I'd be demanding a fee of over £10m, or loan him out to a club who cover our loan fee for Enner Valencia.

It's about time we learned to play hard ball.

David Barks
33 Posted 19/01/2017 at 01:10:03
I don't see the wisdom in letting him go given Bolasie is out for a year and Mirallas's history of injuries. I'm sure he wants to be playing more football, but I see it as likely that at some point injuries will force his inclusion back in the team.
Mark Wilson
34 Posted 19/01/2017 at 01:31:35
Peter Morris (#8)

"To be honest, it wouldn't break my heart of we are done for this window" – it would mine well I'd be not that shocked but utterly dismayed.

Two weeks ago most were screaming for five or six quality new additions and shipping the dross, of which there is a lot, out of sight. Now, after one brilliant win over the richest club in the world, and a shining performance from the clearly very promising Tom Davies .and ..well we don't need anyone else ???

We are actually desperate for a quality No 2 striker. Lookman looks ace, I say that after watching him for four minutes. But have a feeling he will be useful but he's not the ready made No 2 striker yet. Valencia, nah, well okay occasionally yeh, but mostly, not the quality we need now.

Morgan alongside Gana and increasingly I think Davies, well that's starting to look tasty I will grant you. But injuries, suspensions and almost inevitably Tom having a dip from his sensational level of last weekend – that's going to leave us with Baz and McCarthy, providing McCarthy hasn't been sold, which I suspect is going to happen if his makeweight status grows – part-ex for Kone at Sunderland or please, Dembele at Celtic.

Davies and Holgate have to be fair muddied the transfer waters a little. Koeman and Walsh must be thinking that their form and growing confidence suggest that we may have bought some time here. But this is Everton and shit happens to us all the time. We have to improve squad quality / depth and tho it's not the best transfer window to do it we really have no choice given the mess we made of it in the summer.

I have seen some saying what's the panic, doesn't look like relegation dogfight now does it? Maybe not and yes it looked iffy for a while. But consider this, scrape into Europe this season on the back of a 7th place with top six providing different League Cup and FA cup winners, and top six losers, and we will look a much better option for the second tier of quality available in the summer. Don't invest more now and slip back, even to mid table and it looks different.

Have to say the apparent solid rumour, if such a thing exists, about the six foot five centre back at City, now there's where I'd throw stupid money at. Last six months of contract, available on a free but with compensation settlement in the summer. Loads sniffing around him. If we spent a silly £10 million and accepted the risks it would I suspect look like bargain basement stuff in a year.

It's going to be an interesting last eleven days of the window but here's hoping the club surprise us and go for it. I'm not holding my breath !

David Ellis
35 Posted 19/01/2017 at 02:01:51
Mark (#34) – I think you are expecting a bit too much from a January transfer window, and there isn't a desperate need this season. We are almost certainly going to finish 7th.

The teams below us are struggling to add any quality at all – in fact, we have already done more this window then the likes of Burnley or West Brom. And we do have "the kids" who simply won't get a chance if we stuff the squad full of expensive new toys.

I'd like a couple more. A swap involving Lacine Kone, Jags and McCarthy (and presumably a bit of cash to Sunderland) would allow us to add a monster Centre-back that we need to deal with the clod-hopping sides like Watford and Palace and Stoke.

Cover for Lukaku is also necessary. An attacking midfielder also appears to be on Koeman's wish list, presumably to replace Barkley/Mirallas – they'd need to be very good players to do that.

In the grand scheme of things I'd let Deulofeu go out on loan as this is likely to increase his value as I'm sure we will sell him in the summer. If we play 3 at the back we don't need any out an out wingers and there are others that can provide skill and trickery – Barkley, Mirallas and Lookman

David Barks
36 Posted 19/01/2017 at 03:05:46
We are extremely short up front. Lookman is not some saviour. Let's not get carried away that he was able to get a cameo with us having secured the game and amazingly he got a goal. None of us have any idea how prepared he is to actually contribute in a competitive match.

We have Lukaku, Mirallas and Barkley up top, if we let Geri go then we have to fall back to the likes of Lennon. Sorry, I hope that never happens again. He might be a nice guy, but he is in no way good enough in attack.

If we can get another attacking player, a skillful player on the ball who can also contribute some goals, we should absolutely be trying to do so. We should be fighting for every point possible to set the stage for next year. If we can get one of those players in now it only helps us establish our goals for next season and hopefully make us that much more attractive to top players in the Summer.

But we have half a season left to play. Any players we can get that can improve our chances to win as many of the remaining games as possible should be signed if possible. Settling for 7th is a very poor mentality.

Ernie Baywood
38 Posted 19/01/2017 at 05:26:15
If we're genuinely ambitious, then the target should be to improve as much as is practical.

The finishing position is what is recorded but improvement doesn't just happen once a year. So we should absolutely be strengthening in this window and I'd hope for at least striker backup and a couple of players to challenge Ross and the wingers.

We might still finish 7th but it's not just about this season.

Kieran Fitzgerald
39 Posted 19/01/2017 at 06:54:59
Peter @8. I take it your Berbatov comment was tongue in cheek. Thing is, if he is genuinely a free agent, I would take a look. Invite him to train with the club and as you say, offer him a contract to the end of the season if he appears fit enough.

The guy has what you would call a languid (fancy word for lazy!) style but he knows where the back of the net is. He knows the area having played for Man Utd and wouldn't cost us a huge amount in wages. Interesting.

Mark/David, I can see us doing business with Sunderland. Jags and McCarthy are players that Moyes knows and will add confidence and bite to what is a very fragile Sunderland squad.

McGeady is playing out of his skin at Preston and I think if we looked for a nominal fee, Preston surely can't have huge transfer funds, we could at least clear McGeady from the books completely.

With Dembele, Celtic may hold out for the cash value so looking for a player swap using McCarthy may not work. Rodgers knows the English leagues well enough to be able to pick up a decent player on the cheap and then generate a profit. He has already done it with Dembele.

Tony Abrahams
41 Posted 19/01/2017 at 08:05:26
Possibly the most talented individual in our squad, so it's definitely not a decision based on ability. Maybe this kid is too much of an individual to tow Koeman's line, but I would love to see him play as a Number 10 before dismissing him from our club...
John G Davies
42 Posted 19/01/2017 at 08:43:21
Me too; never a winger in my opinion.

A free role behind a centre-forward would be perfect position for him.

Darren Bailey
43 Posted 19/01/2017 at 09:09:44
Somebody mentioned the Leon Bailey interest.

Personally I don't know anything about him but he gets my vote., I really hope we buy him as I get to see "BAILEY" wrote on the back of and Everton shirt... Get in.

Craig Walker
44 Posted 19/01/2017 at 09:36:48
I hope last weekend's performance doesn't mask the fact that we need better players in our squad. We need creativity, goals and a top-class goalkeeper for starters.

Schneiderlin and Lookman look good acquisitions but I'll be really underwhelmed if we're still trying to strike last-minute deals on Deadline Day.

Marc Kilroy
45 Posted 19/01/2017 at 09:39:30
Deulofeu has made no improvements to his game since he first joined on loan 3 seasons ago. He's nearly 23 now and broke into the Barcelona first at 17 so he's had 6 years of first team football at 3 clubs (Including Sevilla) without any significant improvement.

This season, he has just one assist and no goals so realistically why persevere with him? If Koeman felt he had something to offer then he wouldn't be available for loan / sale.

If we want to break the top 6 then we have to consider who has the ability to take us there and Geri doesn't have the game to help in that. Put it this way: Would he get a game for any of the teams above us? Not a chance, in my opinion.

Joe Clitherow
46 Posted 19/01/2017 at 11:37:20
Talent without application is wasted talent, and sadly, Deulofeu is wasting his talent because he either can't, or won't, apply himself.

Every 5-10 minutes of dazzling cameo in a game is always accompanied by 50 mins of going missing, blowing for tugs, and pointing for the ball to go elsewhere because he is too knackered to take a pass or to press for the whole game. He never plays a full game, so there's only an hour to judge him on.

Take the Leicester FA Cup game: a dazzling bit of skill which led to our goal was followed by going missing which left our right side horribly exposed to the rampaging Redmond and Musa doubling up on Coleman which led to both Leicester goals.

Surely there is the contrast? Redmond has far less talent than Deulofeu in my opinion but is far more effective and I'd have him every day of the week over the show pony Deulofeu. For all the comments about him being a game changer, you can count on the fingers of one hand the games he has actually turned in over 70 appearances, and none recently.

An expensive indulgence in my opinion; we could spend his wages and fee more wisely on more effective players for the team.

Chris Gould
47 Posted 19/01/2017 at 12:09:55
Apparently Ajax are interested in Geri. Now if we could get Dolberg in exchange for Geri, then that would be interesting.
Karl Meighan
49 Posted 19/01/2017 at 12:13:15
Far to inconsistent'; he does nothing to help the fullback playing behind him and imo nowhere near close to being a player good enough for a top 4 team.

Like Bilyaletdinov before him, the odd flash isn't good enough; if he hadn't come from Barca, he'd have been long gone.

He's a likeable lad and I wish him well but, if he was good enough, he would be playing for the first team – that's a team with very average widemen.

Kevin Rowlands
51 Posted 19/01/2017 at 14:10:18
Koeman has just said in his presser, if he finds the right team he can go. Clearly he is not part of his plans; thanks for the memories, Geri.
Peter Cummings
52 Posted 19/01/2017 at 14:22:28
IMO we should keep Deulofeu, he is the sort of player who can turn a game on it's head with his instinct for a telling pass and turn of speed that confuses the opposition.

Okay, he can be erratic at times but not as often as some of our 'regulars' and given more game time and intensive training routines he could be a star turn for us, just a thought.

Brian Williams
53 Posted 19/01/2017 at 14:32:40
Well we're not going to (keep him that is) as Honest Ron has just signed his death warrant in his latest presser!
James Morgan
54 Posted 19/01/2017 at 14:51:40
Ronald pretty much saying Jags can go too. Glad to see there is no sentimentality from the guy; Jags has been great for us but isn't up to it anymore. Holgate and Funes Mori are younger and performing better as is Williams for that matter.

I would look for a beast to play in Funes Mori's position and have Ramiro as a decent back up. Holgate has to keep his place in the side, no question.

Ben Dyke
55 Posted 19/01/2017 at 15:15:18
I struggled with Koeman when we had some bad results and the team spirit and direction seemed wanting, even though I still loved his press conferences and before- and after-match stuff, but now after a great performance I can start to believe in him more and really get behind him!

I love his down-to-earthness, lack of sentimentality (where it's needed) and his understanding of us fans that we want to see hard work and aggression from the team!

Everton Wint
57 Posted 19/01/2017 at 15:50:10
Most of us love Geri... but he doesn't work for 90 minutes. He lacks grit. Koeman doesn't care who you are as long as you have power, aggression, pace, skill, discipline and most importantly the ability to grasp and execute the system then you get chances.

I think the manager has been more impressed than he thought he would be with Lookman. My prediction is: We will all say "Geri who?" once Lookman plays two or three games within the next month. I think this guy will make Premier League defenders look poor. COYBs

Brian Furey
58 Posted 19/01/2017 at 16:03:03
If you can believe the soundbites, it sounds like Koeman is not pushing him out the door but has told him that he's at most a game-changing sub.

Personally I've always said he's not up to the job in the Premier League but I think he is a good player to come in to change a game or add a bit of pace and magic. He probably wants to go himself and he believes he deserves to get more game time but isn't prepared to work for it.

Koeman is not the sort of manage to put up with any laziness or lack of effort and also doesn't seem to be the sort of manager to put his arm around him and ask is he okay like Bobby was.

I think Geri would do a lot better in a league like the Portugese where tackling isn't as robust and you win frees for getting barely touched. You can see from his body language he doesn't like the tough tackling English style.

Hopefully Mirallas will stay focused and work hard now. I think he likes playing in behind Rom and, of all our players after Rom, he knows where the net is.

Gordon Crawford
59 Posted 19/01/2017 at 16:07:05
Karl, he isn't a wide man, so he shouldn't have to cover for the fullback. He is played out of position since he came here. And we are not a top 4 team, so that argument doesn't apply to us either. But your entitled to your opinion.

Letting him go and keeping Lennon is just ridiculous.

Brian Furey
60 Posted 19/01/2017 at 17:14:14
For those who still rate him and think he's not been given a fair chance, then just look at his stats.

Season Team App Goals
2011–2013 Barcelona B 68 (27)
2011–2015 Barcelona 2 (0)
2013–2014 → Everton (loan) 25 (3)
2014–2015 → Sevilla (loan) 17 (1)
2015– Everton 37 (2)

In 5 years, he has scored 6 goals at senior level. This is from a young Spanish lad with loads of pace and skill and who was hoped would be the next Messi for Barcelona. Yes he does well at underage level but the lad is now 22 but he hasn't moved on.

Last season, Ross Barkley was 22 and he scored 12 goals in the 2015-16 season. Loads of us give Ross a hard time and say he should be doing better and get annoyed when he loses the ball. When you compare Ross to Geri, you would say Geri has the more potential.

You can see already that players like Davies and Lookman who are only 18 & 19 have a very different attitude to their game. They realise, to make it as a professional footballer, you've got to work hard and play for the team, not just for yourself.

Lookman has not shown us too much yet but, when you look at where he came from, you can see he had to work hard to go from playing for a local youth team to being a professional footballer at 18 with Charlton.

I would love to see him do well as he's one of the most talented players we've ever had but I just can't see him apply himself enough.

Karl Meighan
61 Posted 19/01/2017 at 20:58:16
Gordon, if the lad's a striker, why has he never played there? he is simply not strong enough to survive upfront never mind make a impact, we may not be a top 4 Club as you say but surely we don't sign players in order to finish seventh.

He has failed to establish himself in a very average Everton side under 2 managers so I guess I'm not the only one with this opinion – and I don't see Clubs queuing up to buy him.


Add Your Comments

In order to post a comment, you need to be logged in as a registered user of the site.

» Log in now

Or Sign up as a ToffeeWeb Member — it's free, takes just a few minutes and will allow you to post your comments on articles and Talking Points submissions across the site.


About these ads