Lukaku on board as Blues jet to Germany

Lyndon Lloyd , 28 July, 63comments | Jump to most recent

Romelu Lukaku is set to see his first pre-season action when Everton take part in the Dresden Cup but there is no place on the plane for Oumar Niasse.

The Belgium international was granted an extended break following his involvement with his country in the European Championships this summer but he returned to Finch Farm on Monday to begin his preparations for the new season in earnest.

Having been absent for the two previous friendlies at Barnsley and MK Dons, Niasse has been omitted from the travelling party for Dresden, adding fuel to the speculation that his days at Goodison Park are numbered.

The Senegalese striker was signed by former Blues boss Roberto Martinez in a big-money deal on transfer deadline day in February but has struggled to live up to his £13.5m price tag in subsequent appearances.

New manager Ronald Koeman used the training camp in Austria to run the rule over the 26-year-old and he featured in the "bounce game" against FK Jablonec but has been overlooked since.

Multiple reports in Turkey have been suggesting that Galatasaray are in negotiations to acquire Niasse on an loan basis for the coming season but there has been no official confirmation of any impending deal.

Lukaku, meanwhile, looks to be staying at Goodison despite months of speculation that he could be moving on this summer following his open admission that he feels ready to join a Champions League club.

The club hope that the arrival of Koeman, coupled with Farhad Moshiri's ambition and financial resources, will be enough to persuade the Belgian that Everton is once again the kind of enticing "project" with near-term Champions League aspirations that he would be seeking elsewhere.

In any case, the £65m price tag that the club have reportedly placed on the 23-year-old has proven to be prohibitively expensive for most teams and one of his rumoured suitors, Juventus, have splashed their cash on an option with proven Serie A experience in the form of Gonzalo Higuain.

Lukaku is joined in the squad for Dresden by Arouna Kone, who has recovered from a recent knock. The Ivorian's absence from the games at Oakwell and Stadium mk had led to speculation that he, too, had been discounted from Koeman's plans but he will likely get his chance to impress over the next couple of days.

James McCarthy and Gareth Barry, also missing from the first two friendlies through injury have also travelled.

The full squad that flew to Germany is: Stekelenburg, Joel, Hewelt; Davies, Pennington, Stones, Funes Mori, Oviedo, Baines, Galloway, Holgate, Coleman; Grant, Cleverley, Dowell, Bešić, McCarthy, Barry, Gibson, Lennon, Mirallas, Deulofeu, Barkley; Lukaku, Kone.

Reader Comments (63)

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Brian Williams
1 Posted 28/07/2016 at 18:34:42

Martinez should be made to reduce any settlement agreememt by £13.5m and if thats more than he got then he should pay the shortfall.

Colin Glassar
2 Posted 28/07/2016 at 18:35:32

Shame about Niasse, I thought he was Roberto's secret weapon.

Paul Black
3 Posted 28/07/2016 at 18:35:57

I'm quite surprised he made it. Wasn't Lukaku supposed to be back at Finch Farm on Monday?

Paul Black
4 Posted 28/07/2016 at 18:43:28

Colin, maybe Oumar was his secret weapon and that's why he was kept under wraps for so long – with his wrapped up wrist too!

James Watts
5 Posted 28/07/2016 at 18:44:44

The biggest shame is that Kone is on the plane! Do feel a bit for Niasse as he's crap and The Deluded one screwed up buying him. Thankfully it only took RK a run out to realise it. Fingers crossed a similar run out for Kone will result in the same realisation ...

Mark Murphy
6 Posted 28/07/2016 at 18:47:03

No McGeady then?

Jay Harris
7 Posted 28/07/2016 at 18:52:57

Good spot Mark.
Guess it doesnt take Koeman long to assess a player.

Eugene Kearney
8 Posted 28/07/2016 at 18:53:30

Maybe RK will have a good look at Geri again as striker and compare him to Lukaku (who he hasn't seen up close yet).

I hope he does realise that Kone is not really up to it - he can't keep getting selected on the basis of that one hat-trick.

Anyone got a link for streaming please??

Tony Abrahams
9 Posted 28/07/2016 at 18:54:07

Not going myself, but have heard 3500 Toffees, are going to make the trip to Dresden.

I heard Koeman, was saying, he was glad he was going to Germany, just to get out the way and work on a few things. I believe Snodin, started laughing at him, and said that Everton would take at least 3000 fans with them.

Apparently Koeman, started laughing, shook his head, and said not for a couple of pre-season games?

Welcome aboard Ronald, just give us a team, so us Evertonians can go absolutely berserk!

Jay Harris
10 Posted 28/07/2016 at 18:57:17

Eugene its on EvertonTV and its only the cost of a pint.

Colin Glassar
11 Posted 28/07/2016 at 18:58:04

Mcgeady was left behind at FF to make the beds and cut the grass apparently.

Barry McNally
12 Posted 28/07/2016 at 19:02:05

Colin, doubt he's doing the beds - he's shit at the corners!

Stan Schofield
13 Posted 28/07/2016 at 19:11:00

And he made an attempt at the grass, but just couldn't cut it.

Brian Williams
14 Posted 28/07/2016 at 19:25:38

He'd fall over the bed and miss the grass completely.

Colin Glassar
15 Posted 28/07/2016 at 19:29:23

The head groundsman told mcgeady he wanted to see that grass greener than the Irish shirt, unfortunately mcgeady asked where the paint and brushes where.

Alan Humphreys
16 Posted 28/07/2016 at 19:42:21

Where's Henen, Rodrigues, Long, McEleny or the new Swiss lad (assume the injury was bad midweek).

6 youth players going. None of them strikers!

Alasdair Mackay
17 Posted 28/07/2016 at 19:48:59

No Browning?

Doesn't look good for the lad - shame, as I really thought he would have had a chance were it not for that injury.

Still routing for you Tias - keep your chin up!

Alex Mullan
18 Posted 28/07/2016 at 20:11:12

McGeady pulled a hamstring getting onto the plane, so that explains that.

Tony Hill
19 Posted 28/07/2016 at 20:22:34

I assume Kenny isn't included because of his under 19 involvement for England? He's another one who looks the part and could be a serious asset in an awkward position for us.

Dominic Tonge
20 Posted 28/07/2016 at 20:25:29

I just heard from a reliable source at easyjet that niasse was meant to be part of the tour apparently he aimed for the place door but missed by a mile and was last seen sauntering down the runway at John Lennon. True fact

Andy Stone
21 Posted 28/07/2016 at 20:32:07

Alan @ 16, Chris Long was sold in last summer's transfer window to Burnley; might get to see the lad this year.

Kieran Kinsella
22 Posted 28/07/2016 at 20:53:03

Luke Garbutt. Hasn't featured since that first practice match either. Curtains for him? Seems like RK feels 22 is a manageable number with two people for each role. If we bring a few new faces in, then some of these lads are likely to be on the outs. Based on minutes played and performances it seems like Baines, Coleman, Geri, Mirallas and Gibson are in his plans. Clev, Besic, Dowell are probably most at risk in the next cull.

Patrick Murphy
23 Posted 28/07/2016 at 21:07:57

The youngsters are playing in the Liverpool Senior Cup semi-final tonight at Skelmersdale United.
Griffiths, Jones (c), Garbutt, Baningime, Feeney, Foulds, Charsley, Ledson, Dyson, Evans, McAleny. substitutes: Gray, C. Duffus, Henen, Robinson, Sambou.
It might explain why some of them didn't make the Germany trip.

Helen Mallon
24 Posted 28/07/2016 at 21:34:02

Cheers Patrick

Patrick Murphy
25 Posted 28/07/2016 at 21:40:06

You're welcome Helen(24) FULL-TIME: @Skemutdofficial 0-4 #EFCU23. Blues progress to Liverpool Senior Cup final after an o.g and strikes from Evans, Sambou & Garbutt.

Mike Mulhall
26 Posted 28/07/2016 at 22:36:35

McGeady and Niasse must feel like the fat kids on the school yard when ya picking teams.

Alan Humphreys
27 Posted 28/07/2016 at 22:39:48

Cheers Patrick and Andy. Forgot Long was sold. High hopes and all that.

How is Sambou looking Patrick? And where's Rodriguez – thought he might progress. Henen seems to be treading water, thought both might be knocking on the first team door.

We seem to have defenders and mid fielders looking to break through but no up and coming forwards.

If they're still not good enough RK needs to ship them out.

Patrick Murphy
28 Posted 28/07/2016 at 22:42:59

Alan (27) I can't help you with the development or skills of Sambou I haven't seen him play. However, I think Rodriguez took a knock at MK Dons so that may explain his absence.

Jamie Sweet
29 Posted 28/07/2016 at 23:13:59

It's going to be interesting to see how Rom gets on with Koeman's desire for his forwards to press.

Scott Bosworth
30 Posted 28/07/2016 at 23:18:33

A little surprised that Stones is going. If I was running ManCity, any negotiations I was in would be contingent on him not being risked in any way until the deal is done.

Mike Allison
31 Posted 28/07/2016 at 23:39:16

And Scott if I was running Everton I'd tell you that when he's your player you can decide what to do with him.

If you don't like it don't sign him.

Andrew Presly
32 Posted 29/07/2016 at 00:06:51

Thanks Scott from Man City.

Andy Meighan
33 Posted 29/07/2016 at 00:38:03

I'll bet Lukaku is gutted he's still an Everton player. Obviously his Euro sojourn didn't go accordingly for ol' big 'ead to paraphrase Clough himself. The cold harsh truth is he's going to be lucky to get the move he craves – especially at the price we are asking.

Personally I hope Koeman benches him until the window closes. I'd rather play with 10 men than this self-centered over-rated lump. But I fear we are stuck with him. At least until January. Personally, I still haven't forgiven him for the semi-final.

Clive Rogers
34 Posted 29/07/2016 at 00:39:45

Heard through the grapevine tonight, in the pub, that Barry has not been injured and that Hibbert has money problems after his French fish farm business has gone pear-shaped.

Phil Chatterley
35 Posted 29/07/2016 at 00:51:13

In Berlin now. EFC everywhere... off to Dresden in the Morning. Coybb .

Colin Glassar
36 Posted 29/07/2016 at 00:57:24

So it's true that Hibbo's fishes drowned then Clive?

Steve Bingham
37 Posted 28/07/2016 at 01:08:57

Wish this Stones saga would get sorted sharpish as if it did then maybe it would start things going. However, the gaffer doesn't seem overly concerned so, as things go, that's good enough for me!

Tom Graham
38 Posted 29/07/2016 at 01:41:08

I am a new kid on the block and love all the comments. Could not agree more about Kone and McGeady – would not make the Under-18s!

I have faith in Koeman and Walsh – give them time. Also, I like how forward looking Moshiri is.

Anthony Dwyer
39 Posted 29/07/2016 at 01:42:36

IMO, of the travelling squad, the following aren't good enough, or won't be anywhere near the first team:

Robles
Oviedo
Pennington
Kone
Barry
Gibson

(More the fact Gibson can't be relied on, than not good enough, but he's often vastly over rated on ToffeeWeb, and Barry has to be replaced by someone who's much more mobile.)

Hewelt, Holgate, and Grant will probably be lucky to get 10 prem appearances between them.

That's 9 from 24 hopefully getting binned, and Lennon, Stekelenburg, Cleverley and Besic possibly only going to be backup.

Leaving only Coleman, Baines, Funes Mori, McCarthy, Deulofeu, Mirallas, Lukaku, Barkley Dowell, Davies and Stones (who's about to be sold), that are good enough to push us on. (Oh and Jags of course).

We need fresh blood now.

Robin Cannon
40 Posted 29/07/2016 at 05:17:07

Barry? Player of the season last year. He remains excellent.

Paul Conway
41 Posted 29/07/2016 at 07:48:28

That photo of Niasse at the top of this page says it all. He just looks so stiff, awkard and without action, compared to the other photos.

In fact, there is more action in the handshake between Walsh and Koeman!

Mike Mulhall
42 Posted 29/07/2016 at 08:39:35

Yeah its like theres a witch hunt with barry at times. I rate him and generally he has been good for us, after all he is one if englands greatest ever players :-)

Thing is he is geting a bit and in the interest of fresh legs and mobility we need his starting spot passed onto someone else

Clive Rogers
43 Posted 29/07/2016 at 10:19:16

Looks like Koeman doesn't rate Barry.

Mark Tanton
44 Posted 29/07/2016 at 10:40:36

I love Barry and think he might be Martinez's best signing, but if we are being ruthless with those of a certain age, I am all for it.

Brian Furey
45 Posted 29/07/2016 at 10:46:25

What do people think of the real story with Niasse? There must be something else up with the lad or some sort of strange reason for his complete fall from grace. Fair enough, we all know Russian football is nowhere near the EPL but still you can't just go from Player of the Year over there to a complete flop and look like an amateur.

I presume we had scouts watch him lots before signing him. Does his wife really live in Manchester? Is it possible maybe she doesn't want him and so he wants away again now.

Could there be money owed in Russia or Africa and so that's why he wants a move again. It's just all too strange that a player who scored for his country in March seems so poor in a blue shirt. Could that wasted money be part of why we are being so careful and slow to buy anyone so far?

I see he was arrested for an assault back in May. What happened there?

Gerry Quinn
46 Posted 29/07/2016 at 11:14:57

Brian (45) - do you have a question you want to ask? :)

Brian Harrison
47 Posted 29/07/2016 at 11:17:45

I read that Barry had a slight injury that's why he hasn't played. He was very influential last yseason, so I don't think he will be discarded by Koeman. I think he might have more of a problem to get Lukaku to play the high pressing game he is looking to introduce.

Paul Conway
48 Posted 29/07/2016 at 12:36:04

Brian @ 45, interesting points and definitely food for thought.

I, like most people, am completely baffled. I can't see his amateur antics being a ploy to orchestrate a move. It's beyond me to think any professional would make himself look that bad. If it's the case he definitely surpasses Ronaldo for feigning injury.

Interesting to see Ronaldo coming off on a stretcher, then doing a riverdance, in the technical area, where it is an offence for anybody else to be, except the manager... not even a yellow card! It was a most nauseating sight to see Pepe (Oscar winner!) and Ronaldo holding the cup aloft.

Sorry, that rant was a little off thread, but it makes a change from the usual Any theories, anyone?

David Milner
49 Posted 29/07/2016 at 12:38:26

Patrick @28.

Rodriguez did not take a knock at MK Dons, he did not play.

Tarashaj took a wack to the nose from Lewington at MK Don. Looks like it might be broken, probably why he did not come back on after the break.

Patrick Murphy
50 Posted 29/07/2016 at 12:56:12

Cheers, David (#49). I can't keep up with all these young players' surnames.

I'm stuck in the era of players named Brown, Young or Wilson and I can't remember all these convoluted sounding surnames. Mind you I remember them if they make good in the first team or manage to score a few goals for the club.

Martin Mason
51 Posted 29/07/2016 at 12:59:25

When and where are the games being played. I'd love to go down there on my bike.

Eric Myles
52 Posted 29/07/2016 at 14:02:53

Lukaku's back with his tail between his legs

Michael Penley
53 Posted 29/07/2016 at 14:17:08

Photos of the team getting on the plane show everyone talking and laughing with each other, all except Romelu who has his earphones on and is fiddling with his phone. Doesn't look like he's happy to be back!

Phil Bellis
54 Posted 29/07/2016 at 14:38:24

Brian (45)

Oh, all right... 3 clues:
Switch... double... ringer.

Bleedin' obvious

Brian Abbsey
55 Posted 29/07/2016 at 15:01:55

Anyone know a decent stream for the Dresden game tonight?

Jack Convery
56 Posted 29/07/2016 at 15:15:19

The smell from a ton of rotting fish wouldn't do justice to the fishy smell around the Niasse deal. Call in the Fraud Police to check it out – some one made a bundle somewhere on this deal surely. So sorry for Niasse, a pawn in a very iffy deal indeed.

If Roberto gets the Hull job, let's see if he comes in for him – could be a long wait for us all.

Darren Hind
60 Posted 29/07/2016 at 15:55:55

I've been saying all summer that Lukaku would end up coming back with his tail between his legs. Perhaps now he knows the big boys are not interested, he will knuckle down and try to become the player him and his arl fella think he already is.

He now knows that, if he wants his dream move, he has to up his game. That can't be bad news for us...

Alan Bodell
62 Posted 29/07/2016 at 16:44:09

Darren, the Euros was when he had a massive chance to back up his agent and daddy and he stank big time. His game is there for all to see but it's his unbelievable lethargy, maybe a cattle prod would help but if it doesn't we will see Koeman letting the lump know swift as.

Danny O'Neill
63 Posted 29/07/2016 at 17:30:39

None of them look happy, Michael, so I wouldn't use that to gauge the mood. One of the tabloids used a shot of Stones this morning to suggest he was unhappy as his move hadn't gone through yet. Then I looked at Besic behind him who looked equally moody (with headphones inserted).

It's either a case of lots of modern footballers being sulky creatures or they are fed fed up having cameras stuck in their face constantly. That said, I think Mo just looks menacing either way; nails!!

Terence Tyler
64 Posted 29/07/2016 at 17:53:52

Brian @55 – Google "premier league live". It's the first website that comes up. I've been watching all the pre-season games with club commentary for free. Sorry, I don't no how to do links. We are top of their opening page with countdown to tonight's kick-off.

Brian Abbsey
65 Posted 29/07/2016 at 18:22:22

Terrence. Cheers for that. I'll give it a go.

Michael Penley
66 Posted 30/07/2016 at 05:50:50

Danny, if most of the team are unhappy they are doing a very good job at disguising their unhappiness here https://s31.postimg.org/o5emyeou3/aaa.png !!

Eugene Ruane
67 Posted 31/07/2016 at 16:15:48

From Gazzetta Dello thingy.

Link

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