Romelu Lukaku’s latest comments aren’t good news for Everton
Belgian striker Romelu Lukaku is still an Everton striker at the moment, but don’t look for him to sign a long-term deal at Goodison Park. His latest comments cast his future with the Premier League club in serious doubt.
Lukaku acknowledges that he had interest from several clubs this summer, but Everton refused to entertain the possibility of selling him. That part, is good news for the Everton faithful. They have to be happy with their club’s resolve in keeping their most valuable attacking asset.
The bad news, is that Lukaku went on to say that he values winning trophies more than anything else. Everton finished 11th in the Premier League last year. They have higher hopes under new manager Ronald Koeman, but still face an uphill battle to topple England’s elite.
Even more concerning, was Lukaku’s admission that he’d given super agent Mino Raiola “special instructions” on how to proceed with his representation. Negotiating a new deal with Everton certainly wouldn’t require that sort of detailed instruction. The fact that he needed to give his representatives such specific advice, doesn’t bode well for the Toffees.
The special instruction likely means Raiola will attempt to engineer a move away for his client sooner rather than later. The prolific hitman signed a five-year contract when he arrived at Everton, but it’s ticking down. Every day that passes, causes Everton to lose a little more leverage in future transfer negotiations about the striker’s future.
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At some point, the risk of losing Lukaku for nothing will outweigh the potential chance of signing him to a new contract. The only legitimate question is how long Everton are willing to wait before that becomes the case.
The winter transfer window will likely mean a new wave of potential Lukaku suitors. Juventus, in particular, seem to hold a continuing interest in bringing him to Turin. Could Everton really turn down a big-money offer if Raiola tells them he won’t negotiate a new deal with the club? Koeman will try to hold a firm line, but at some point it will become a foolish gambit.
Everton fans should enjoy Romelu Lukaku while he remains at the club. Every transfer window that arrives will welcome an increasing possibility that the Belgian will be headed out the door.
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