Season › 2016-17 › News
Koeman prepared should Lukaku leave
Although the talk has died down recently, Lukaku has been the subject of consistent speculation surrounding his future at Everton and a possible return to Chelsea.
That is likely to grow again as the transfer deadline looms but Koeman, having been through a similar situation at Southampton where the club received offers they couldn't refuse for their best players, is pragmatic about matters either way.
“I have two plans — one is with Lukaku and one without him,” the Dutchman told the print media ahead of tomorrow's trip to West Bromwich Albion where the Belgian is expected to make his first appearance of the season. “We know there's a lot of interest in him.
"He's a good player and ultimately if a big team want to spend a lot of money, you can't really win. I had the same story in Southampton but that big bid was not on the table and here now there is no big bid on the table.
"I prepare myself for both yes and no and now we need to wait two more weeks. [If I don't have alternatives in mind] that's not good. I would be disappointed if Lukaku left late in the window but that's football. We know that happens. The problem is the transfer window, that's what we need to change.”
New Chelsea boss Antonio Conte has expressed some frustration of his own at the market with comments that throw doubt on his club's willingness to pay the £75m bandied about in the press as Everton's asking price for Lukaku.
“It's very difficult to enter the market with these prices and in this condition,” the Italian said.
While Koeman's own comments are being seen by some as a signal that Lukaku could indeed leave Goodison in the next 12 days, a report in The Mirror suggests that the striker intends to commit to Everton and sign a contract extension worth £100,000-a-week.
Indeed, Koeman's own words for De Telegraaf in the Netherlands, where he describes the lift to the squad that a player like Lukaku has said he will stay, indicate the player has told him as much.
In the meantime, he had said that he has no reason to doubt Lukaku's commitment and that, "he is trying to do the maximum to be fit for the team," but regardless of whether the 23-year-old leaves Goodison or not, the manager reiterated that he is still on the lookout for another forward.
“I think we can use one more in that position,” he said, while also admitting that he is short of cover at right back. Seamus Coleman faces another two weeks on the sidelines with an ankle injury and while Koeman is happy to deploy any of Tom Davies, Tom Cleverley or James McCarthy in that area of the field as a fall-back, he prefers to have two players for every position.
Asked by the Liverpool Echo if he needed to reinforce the right fullback position before the deadline, Koeman said: “That is a possibility.”
Reader Comments (79)
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2 Posted 19/08/2016 at 23:08:36
Still looking for another striker. Reckon we could have 4 more players in yet before window shuts...
3 Posted 19/08/2016 at 23:10:42
5 Posted 19/08/2016 at 23:15:32
6 Posted 19/08/2016 at 23:16:59
If its true that BPB is still in charge of buying players then we really are in for a long autumn.
8 Posted 19/08/2016 at 23:27:13
9 Posted 19/08/2016 at 23:30:59
£100 k a week mind if he does.
10 Posted 19/08/2016 at 23:34:16
11 Posted 19/08/2016 at 23:41:24
12 Posted 19/08/2016 at 23:51:05
I really rate Rom, I hope to god he stays as we are a much better team with him.
One thing every blue should also consider before talking about selling Rom, is the fact we have already struggled to bring top quality players to the football club. We wouldn't stand a chance in hell of signing a player of Roms ability, so replacing him is simply a step back.
14 Posted 19/08/2016 at 00:02:19
15 Posted 20/08/2016 at 00:30:03
17 Posted 20/08/2016 at 00:40:10
The fact we only have 1 shows how hard it is to attract proper talent to our club.
Hence, keep the moany git and sell him the dream.
18 Posted 20/08/2016 at 00:51:02
19 Posted 20/08/2016 at 01:20:20
20 Posted 20/08/2016 at 01:46:01
If they had sold Costa... maybe.
21 Posted 20/08/2016 at 05:42:42
22 Posted 20/08/2016 at 05:42:46
24 Posted 20/08/2016 at 06:50:19
25 Posted 20/08/2016 at 07:14:18
Surely sends a loud and clear message about the MoshRon revolution. Great news.
26 Posted 20/08/2016 at 07:21:36
27 Posted 20/08/2016 at 07:59:54
Trust you? When you clearly choose to post under a pseudonym rather than reveal your real name? I don't think so Keegan, you curly haired tossbag.
28 Posted 20/08/2016 at 08:24:14
Where's that come from? Or is it just wishful thinking?
29 Posted 20/08/2016 at 08:26:53
Nah John, he's not the messiah
He's Sherlock as in "no shit, Sherlock"
😬
30 Posted 20/08/2016 at 08:38:15
No use keeping players who don't want to be there, if Lukaku publicly commits then thats a different matter
31 Posted 20/08/2016 at 08:48:26
Lose him, fail to replace him AND get another forward in - that can only be a step backwards.
I think he'll stay and be paid more.
32 Posted 20/08/2016 at 08:58:50
34 Posted 20/08/2016 at 09:19:04
35 Posted 20/08/2016 at 09:32:36
36 Posted 20/08/2016 at 09:36:00
37 Posted 20/08/2016 at 09:38:44
I'm not Lukaku's biggest fan has an all round player but I admit he's a great goalscorer and for that reason we will keep on benefiting has a team from that but if he goes I'm sure we'll get the right man, men in to replace him.
But I just look at what Koeman did at Southampton last season and he got Southampton 3/4 points off of the top 4 with his main striker not even scoring 15 goals or more! They shared the goals around and got so close and if he can bring that to us with that bit extra quality than them, then who knows what we can achieve, with Lukaku or not?!...
38 Posted 20/08/2016 at 09:40:06
39 Posted 20/08/2016 at 09:41:07
40 Posted 20/08/2016 at 09:41:41
If it means doubling his wage then so be it.
We also must bring in help for him, and quickly.
41 Posted 20/08/2016 at 09:47:40
42 Posted 20/08/2016 at 09:48:12
43 Posted 20/08/2016 at 09:48:41
44 Posted 20/08/2016 at 09:51:30
My take on it is that I'd love Rom to stay (if he wants to) but if he wants away, he should be sold (at a time to suit the club).
45 Posted 20/08/2016 at 09:54:27
46 Posted 20/08/2016 at 09:55:17
We've not heard anything from his agent and old man for a while either. Maybe he told them to shut it.
47 Posted 20/08/2016 at 09:56:12
48 Posted 20/08/2016 at 10:04:40
“For the club and for this group it is totally awesome as ten days before the transfer deadline Romelu Lukaku enters the manager's office and tells us that he doesn't want to leave but has decided to stay at Everton.â€
49 Posted 20/08/2016 at 10:06:14
Good strikers seem thin on the ground, but we need more goals from the midfield too. When Lineker left the rest of the lads all chipped-in with goals, just as they had before he came.
Barkley, Del, and Kev all need to contribute, and I would like Coleman and Baines to shoot more often.
We still need another striker- even if Rom stays, as Kone only has link-up play in his locker, and seems to have forgotten what those onion bags are for.
50 Posted 20/08/2016 at 10:09:38
51 Posted 20/08/2016 at 10:12:38
Haller and Slimani would fit the bill nicely, besides we need a decent squad to go for Europe next year, and also to bolster in case of injuries, and loss of form etc.
Still fancy that playmaker Ziyech to join us too.
In Ron we trust.
COYB
52 Posted 20/08/2016 at 10:19:42
"It's like a new signing!"
53 Posted 20/08/2016 at 10:20:08
"Ronald Koeman has perhaps his most important battle beaten in the transfer market. Romelu Lukaku has told the manager of Everton he continues this season.
Lukaku was coveted by several top clubs, including Chelsea, but ignores interest. "For the club and for this group it is then totally awesome as ten days before the transfer deadline Romelu Lukaku then the trainer room enters and tells us that he does not leave but decided to stay at Everton," Koeman wrote Saturday in his column in De Telegraaf .
"Lukaku is the top scorer, the target man, and target man only 23 years. His stay on is just as valuable as a big transfer. He is not only a great player but also a fine human being. He will experience football as you want a football player experience it. It's nice to work with him and vice versa, I think he sees that we want to improve a lot on all sides. Both the team and to himself. develop him into a top player is a challenge for me, "said Koeman.
The Everton manager lost this transfer window does Johnstone, but strengthened already by Ashley Williams, Idrissa Gueye and Yannick Bolasie."
Not quite sure what the first part of that last para means tho'.
54 Posted 20/08/2016 at 10:23:33
Well, what do we glean from this and previous ?
Let's consider:
HQ Belgium, Mirallas has a word in Big Rom's ear. (Ta Kev).
Flattered Rom follows international team mate Kevin to "The Grand Old Lady".
Rom scores for fun in "The Royal Blue Jersey".
Everton fans exhibit approval with affection.
Everton board exhibit approval with a contract,
Flattered Romelu, knocks Cheque-ski out of the cup with a "Worldy".
Cheque-ski (under Jose el-Moanio) come re-sniffing.
Rom feels flattered with the club which rejected him.
When el-Moanio takes over at M602 J3, Rom gets a bit excited when his agent is dead busy. But, stablemate "Pogs" gets the job.
Never mind, 'Cos he's Rom' 's mate and he only lives up the road now ! Yay !
All the time, Rom is persuading his other pal, Yannick to join "The Mighty Blues".
Yannick joins.
Romelu gets told (openly) by "no nonsense Dutchman" Ronald Koeman "you're a very good player, but I have plans for Everton with you and plans for Everton without you".
Romelu, decides to stay. (Pogs, isnearby now. And Yannick and good old Kevster too !).
We learn that Romelu:
Likes to feel wanted.
Wants his pals close by.
Can influenced by his Dad.
Can be influenced by his Agent.
Can be influenced by his boss.
Can be influenced by the prospect of success.
Can be influenced by financial rewards.
Romelu wants to stay at Everton this season and maybe more.
Good decision lad.
Now, bang in a hat trick against your old club, WBA.
Then bang in a hat trick against the club that rejected you.
Then bang in a hat trick against the manager that rejected you.
Then bang in two hat tricks against "L'Excrement Rouge".
Because, my dearest Romelu, ALL of those things above which influence you, ALL of them influence ALL of US Evertonians exactly the same.
Do them.
Do them often.
Do them for ten seasons.
And we will forever sing songs about you.
And we will build a Romelu Lukaku statue (in bronze).
THAT, my dear Romelu, is how Everton displays worship for the adored.
Ronald Koeman is offering you THAT choice.
55 Posted 20/08/2016 at 10:25:13
56 Posted 20/08/2016 at 10:25:20
57 Posted 20/08/2016 at 10:35:04
Erm, "gold trackie" ????????????
Really ?
Bit too "Jimmy Saville" that mate.
58 Posted 20/08/2016 at 10:39:36
59 Posted 20/08/2016 at 10:39:41
60 Posted 20/08/2016 at 10:45:44
61 Posted 20/08/2016 at 10:48:05
Superb. Shows how kultured we are on TW. Laughing "mes petites testicules" off on the train. Hope nobody asks why.
"Testicules" male or female in French?
62 Posted 20/08/2016 at 11:11:13
63 Posted 20/08/2016 at 11:22:28
I understand that "The Train" is "Le Train" in French.
Not entirely sure how large or small French women's "testicuiles" are, perhaps "Miss" Emily TV Howard (ex Crystal Palace, possibly Tim's cousin) may be of assistance ?
64 Posted 20/08/2016 at 11:24:57
How does this work pay packet wise?
65 Posted 20/08/2016 at 11:34:39
66 Posted 20/08/2016 at 11:37:24
67 Posted 20/08/2016 at 12:00:35
What a great change to hear that there is a plan B too - quality!
68 Posted 20/08/2016 at 12:05:07
69 Posted 20/08/2016 at 12:06:22
He's the BOSS, he's in control if you don't like it you are out.
He commands respect and oozes authority, unlike the supply teacher vibe of Martinez who came across as being a soft touch.
70 Posted 20/08/2016 at 12:14:25
71 Posted 20/08/2016 at 12:27:52
72 Posted 20/08/2016 at 12:28:00
No copyright.
After all, who would want such ownershit ?
"The sound of laughter is it's own reward ".
73 Posted 20/08/2016 at 12:30:45
"Big Rom" v "LuLu".
No contest.
74 Posted 20/08/2016 at 12:43:43
Fucking Lawrenson trying to talk him into Mordor now.
75 Posted 20/08/2016 at 12:49:30
77 Posted 20/08/2016 at 13:10:22
Under Martinez he managed a lot of goals, but we were never really set up to play to his strengths. He's not really your back to goal target man leading the line in a possession based team that liked the patient build-up. He managed to score despite this. I feel like Koeman has come in and devised a system that will fit the players we have, rather than trying to make the players we have fit a system he would like.
Over time Koeman may well change the personnel to evolve into a different system of play, but for now he is being pragmatic. I have no doubts that we will bring in at least one striker who can play a more traditional target man role as we cannot rely on the same style of play in every match, especially when teams park the bus. I have a feeling that Romelu will stay this season and hopefully at the end of it we will be in a position where he won't want to leave (IE New stadium project underway, European football and a whole host of exciting new players).
78 Posted 20/08/2016 at 13:16:19
http://www.newsnow.co.uk/h/Sport/Football/Premier+League/Everton
Updates every few seconds, and is bloody addictive to be honest!
79 Posted 20/08/2016 at 13:19:59
81 Posted 20/08/2016 at 14:24:50
84 Posted 20/08/2016 at 17:36:24
85 Posted 20/08/2016 at 18:34:01
86 Posted 20/08/2016 at 18:46:25
89 Posted 21/08/2016 at 05:52:25
Very interesting link, so thanks.
However, the following quote does provoke serious concerns regarding accuracy .
"The Toffees have money to spend following the sale of John Stones to Manchester City and have recently broken their club record transfer fee to land Yannick Bolasie from Everton."
90 Posted 21/08/2016 at 06:07:07
It means we sold John Stones
(Lost this transfer window does Johnstone)
I'm made up Rom is staying but still hope we get a back up in.
Rom is class who just needs a clog up the arse!
91 Posted 21/08/2016 at 06:16:28
Isn't it frustrating, irritating and occasionally infuriating ?
However, as fans we always want good, better, THE BEST !
Not for a few game changing minutes, an important match, a run of games, but for season upon season and ONLY whilst with Everton.
And yet, what makes football intriguingly, fascinatingly addictive is that it is played by humans. Humans with all their (all too common) frailties. It is not the excellence which we fans have in common with our heroes, it is our human frailties. We need to persuade ourselves (just occasionally) that to err, is human.
Right, that concludes my outburst of deep thinking coherence for this season, back to spouting my usual, opinionated erm
Small boys, in the park, isn't it ?
Jumpers for goalposts ?
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1 Posted 19/08/2016 at 23:02:19