Season › 2016-17 › News
Koeman denies interest in Joe Hart
Hart has been strongly linked with a switch to Goodison Park, possibly on loan, ever since he was dropped as first-choice 'keeper by new City boss Pep Guardiola.
The arrival of Claudio Bravo from Barcelona is expected to signal the end of Hart's time at the Etihad Stadium but while Sevilla and Borussia Dortmund have been mentioned as potential suitors for the 29-year-old, all the indications in the British press were that he prefers to stay in England.
Everton's interest in the England international was almost taken for granted but Koeman told the media at his pre-match press conference today that there won't be any deal to bring Hart to Goodison Park.
Whether that was because the manager didn't want to discuss transfer targets for a specific position and players at another club remains to be seen but the Dutchman's answer when asked about his interest was fairly categorical.
When asked by Sky Sports' Vinny O'Connor how much interest he had in signing Hart, Koeman replied: "No interest," and then confirmed later in the "presser" that there was never any interest on in his part in signing the player.
He also refused to be drawn on his plans between now and the end of the transfer window next week by saying, "I'm not a manager who speaks a lot about rumours, about players, about possibilities. Everyone will see at the end of the transfer window what, finally, the Everton squad is.
"I don't talk about which positions, which players, because then you start the pre-season talking about transfers and you finish that... I think it's next Thursday.
"We playing Stoke at home this Saturday and that's more important than all the rumours about transfers. I know it's a good job for you [the media] — you can spend 24 hours talking about transfers but I need to prepare the team for this Saturday but, in my opinion, that's more important than talking about rumours."
Reader Comments (89)
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2 Posted 25/08/2016 at 15:33:17
3 Posted 25/08/2016 at 15:43:08
4 Posted 25/08/2016 at 15:43:18
Even City with all their money don't want to pay £7 million in wages to a 3rd string goalkeeper so I expect Hart to be gone. It just remains to be seen whether any other club will meet their price or if they are willing to back down.
5 Posted 25/08/2016 at 15:54:32
6 Posted 25/08/2016 at 15:55:53
I also get the feeling that Ronald never looks too happy in these press conferences does he? You get the feeling he wants the exit door ASAP. He gives the impression that you don't cross me, or ask fool questions despite the wry smile now and then. I think he is just what we need, a manager who gets on with the job and not looking to be a media darling.
7 Posted 25/08/2016 at 15:57:45
A massive waste of money and resources at 20 million in my opinion.
8 Posted 25/08/2016 at 16:01:48
9 Posted 25/08/2016 at 16:04:50
10 Posted 25/08/2016 at 16:10:40
Why would City want a player who is loved by their fans and has given them such good service down the years treated this way and being forced out of the club.
Also Ronald was adamant with his statement" We have no interest in Hart".
Anyway whatever way it went I am relieved we didnt get him. I would much sooner we spend our time and money looking for an up and coming DeGea.
11 Posted 25/08/2016 at 16:18:34
Think if we wanted to sign Hart and Sissoko waiting until the last few days would be best, we could get a reduced price as city and Newcastle will probably want rid rather than keeping them.
We just need another striker in, would love that Islam Slamini, I haven't seen him play but he knows where the onion sack is that's for sure, great stats, think we should go all out for him.
Mata rumours well and truely gone now then? Was hoping we would get someone to go in the hole to replace/competition for Barkley.
12 Posted 25/08/2016 at 16:18:52
13 Posted 25/08/2016 at 16:23:37
14 Posted 25/08/2016 at 16:41:52
15 Posted 25/08/2016 at 16:55:03
If we do end up signing another GK then Joel is going to be hoping that he can swing Belgian citizenship in order to get any football this year...
16 Posted 25/08/2016 at 17:00:15
I can see Hart, Kone, Witsel, Martina and Slimani all coming in on last minute deals with Jim and Kirsty orgasming live on the telly.
17 Posted 25/08/2016 at 17:00:19
It just goes to show what all the so called BBC 'experts', and other football media journalist had to say and continue to say about Everton targets are all conjecture. They know no more than the rest of us. In truth I find them an irritable bunch. RK continues to outfox the lot of them and long may that continue.
18 Posted 25/08/2016 at 17:06:47
I like RK will be happy when the window has closed and we can stop all the nonsense that goes on while the window is still open. I would prefer 1 window per season either in the middle of the season or before the season starts. Or is this part of the deal with Sky, to keep their viewing figures on the last day of the window.
19 Posted 25/08/2016 at 17:09:51
20 Posted 25/08/2016 at 17:10:21
21 Posted 25/08/2016 at 17:14:10
22 Posted 25/08/2016 at 17:21:03
Our future depends on us moving to a good ground that can generate income and this will cost big money. The strength of rich backers is not that they splurge all of their money on players but that they provide the financial backing and guarantees for us to have a sustainable future.
We are great fans and we will fill the ground as long as we see that what the backers do is genuinely for the club and us fans. As an investor Moshiri also has the expectation to make money for the risk he's taken, I hope he makes it.
23 Posted 25/08/2016 at 17:27:23
24 Posted 25/08/2016 at 17:30:35
25 Posted 25/08/2016 at 17:33:57
26 Posted 25/08/2016 at 17:40:38
27 Posted 25/08/2016 at 17:46:18
For all the media frenzy about Hart, the unfairness and unethical treatment of a player, 10 years loyal service, blah blah blah, to me it is quite simple.
City have a new manager and he doesn't fancy their No. 1 keeper, most likely based on the clangers he dropped in the Euros. Simple. You get a new boss, he's not impressed with you, his job is to win trophies, if they win the league and the Champions league this season without Hart then his decision in vindicated. Either way, it's the managers decision. Personally, I don't rate Hart as highly as others for the clangers he occasionally drops.
I don't want to see him at Goodison.
28 Posted 25/08/2016 at 17:47:33
29 Posted 25/08/2016 at 17:54:55
30 Posted 25/08/2016 at 17:55:44
What we need to sort out first is the engine room, defend well, become very difficult to beat and on the back of that to develop style. For me it's 3-5 years and I believe that we are the coming giants but there are no silver bullets and magic wands.
31 Posted 25/08/2016 at 18:15:28
32 Posted 25/08/2016 at 18:16:03
33 Posted 25/08/2016 at 18:20:19
34 Posted 25/08/2016 at 18:25:38
35 Posted 25/08/2016 at 18:29:23
36 Posted 25/08/2016 at 18:35:56
37 Posted 25/08/2016 at 18:45:59
38 Posted 25/08/2016 at 19:03:37
39 Posted 25/08/2016 at 19:08:38
40 Posted 25/08/2016 at 19:17:20
We need a high energy midfield player we sign Gueye.
We need a strong pacy forward we sign Bolasie.
Given the fact that last season there were 1,000s of posts saying this is the best squad we have had for years. And we have now strengthened that squad, why people are now moaning about the lack of signings.
41 Posted 25/08/2016 at 19:38:55
Maybe they're clearing the way for Begovic to move on to Everton.
I have no evidence to support this and no-one who might be in the know old me, but it's on the internet now, so it will probably be in the Mail tomorrow.
42 Posted 25/08/2016 at 21:02:18
This press conference was fantastic.
Makes me proud he is at Everton and really believe he will make us successful
Very honest and clear in his views. Everybody knows where they stand with him good, bad or indifferent. His high expectations are dragging us into another world we've never been to in the EPL era
Hart would not be value for money in my eyes. Impressed with Stek so far even though only 3 games!! I say put it towards playmaker & forward. An interesting 5 days ahead.
43 Posted 25/08/2016 at 21:06:28
44 Posted 25/08/2016 at 21:08:08
Great posts & points made 100% agree with you mate
45 Posted 25/08/2016 at 21:14:05
46 Posted 25/08/2016 at 22:23:52
47 Posted 25/08/2016 at 22:26:54
How is it a "statement of intent" to sign an overpaid, over-hyped, bang on average keeper?
Stek has done very well and his distribution these first games has been marvelous.
Hell, I'd rather have Tim Howard back than sign Hart. And I actually mean that!
48 Posted 25/08/2016 at 22:38:07
We knew he "used to be good" due to his World Cup and Champions League outings. My fear with him is that he will get slack when the window shuts; I'm not sure we can trust him to maintain his current levels. Luckily that's a decision for RK to make.
On Joe, he is a great keeper but, if he was to come here, it needs to be all on our terms. Either that or he can rot in Man City's reserves. What a strange decision though for Pep to cup tie him for all European clubs. Surely that decreases his value to the majority of teams that could afford his wages?
49 Posted 25/08/2016 at 22:43:55
50 Posted 25/08/2016 at 22:49:44
51 Posted 25/08/2016 at 22:50:58
52 Posted 25/08/2016 at 23:04:01
Like it or not Joe Hart is head and shoulders (no pun intended) above our current goalkeepers and signing him would be a massive signal of intent.
53 Posted 25/08/2016 at 23:16:02
Like it or not, that's just an opinion, not a fact.
What is a fact is that Hart is now third choice at City and a manager considered to be amongst the most successful in the world has made that call.
I don't think Hart is shite or garbage but he's nowhere near as good as some think he is and it appears (to me) that in the last couple of seasons, his form (and confidence) has diminished.
As for 'massive signals of intent', fuck that Sky-talk bollocks, just get the players who can do the job properly and get them fit.
54 Posted 26/08/2016 at 00:04:00
55 Posted 25/08/2016 at 00:05:10
Hart is a good player, but I heard he was on 𧵄,000 per week! Surely a fair bit more than Mr Stekelenburg!
56 Posted 26/08/2016 at 00:23:58
More likely that Roman was getting itchy what with not having written a check to buy another future loanee in the last week. Just feeding the addiction is all Chelsea are doing.
Besides, no goalkeeper is going to be worth more this season than the muppet referee who, by failing to send off Costa with a red card in the first game of Chelsea's season, netted them 6 points so far.
57 Posted 26/08/2016 at 01:03:52
http://www.telegraph.co.uk/sport/football/teams/manchester-united/9093518/Manchester-Uniteds-Sir-Alex-Ferguson-regrets-not-signing-Joe-Hart-when-he-had-chance.html
58 Posted 26/08/2016 at 02:40:24
Smells of Scottish bullshit to me...
In my short time watching "the footy" Man Utd have had:
Van der Sar (did I spell that right?)
De Gea
Yup... really regrets not signing Hart for a backup!
Hart is simply overrated and on the downside. We'd do well in fact it would be intelligent not to sign him.
Trust your instincts, Kevin! Iffy at best!
60 Posted 26/08/2016 at 08:50:53
61 Posted 26/08/2016 at 09:10:11
62 Posted 26/08/2016 at 10:37:55
63 Posted 26/08/2016 at 10:51:02
Also let's skip past the bit where, agents fees etc and the sell-on to Barnsley included, we've spent more than we recouped off Stones.
Lastly lets pretend that, despite it being typed on these hallowed portals daily, the only reason that we haven't signed a 50mn quid striker is that our new owner won't front up the cash. There being the obvious queue of 50 million quid strikers battering on Koemans door just dying to sign for us.
Ahhh mindless jibbering about net spend that familiar hallmark of TW in the transfer window!!!
64 Posted 26/08/2016 at 11:03:12
We couldn't asked for a better keeper the first two games.
65 Posted 26/08/2016 at 12:36:24
66 Posted 26/08/2016 at 12:51:10
Statistics, teams played for, trophies won etc I would guess all go towards opinions on which players are better than others.
Like it or not bad goalkeepers do not win championship medals. That is merely my opinion but I am sure it is based on multiple facts.
Funnily enough the fact that Hart is City's number 3 is actually based on their current managers opinion.
Like it or not statement of intents can be key in the crazy world of football. Signing perceived top quality players does send a signal and gets you noticed by other players and agents alike.
As much as we all would disagree and like to think otherwise, Everton are not that big a draw in the world of football.
The manager (being a perceived big name in football), Lukaku staying and signings such as Hart all help to change that.
That is not just sky talk bollocks it happens to be part of life. It even happens in pub footy. The Red Lion signs a star midfielder whose mates follow him to the team because he is a good player. You get my drift.
But as you say and what makes football so great, its all just opinion.
67 Posted 26/08/2016 at 12:57:17
http://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/football/37193497
"Vito Mannone: Sunderland goalkeeper out for three months with elbow injury" Hart will fit in nicely there ;-)
68 Posted 26/08/2016 at 13:09:26
69 Posted 26/08/2016 at 13:17:23
70 Posted 26/08/2016 at 14:00:22
There's been more marquees in Anfield than at the Henley Regatta but stuff all forward motion because they've not got their house in order.
Leicester made very few statements of any kind other than 'thank fuck we didn't get relegated last time out' then went and won the league.
The term 'statement of intent' is a meeja sound byte designed to play to those fans who think football spend is some kind of top trumps game where we win if we spend £50 million and the other lot only spend £49.5 million.
71 Posted 26/08/2016 at 14:22:14
Opinions are very important as the well thought out ones will likely be or will become facts. Opinions though have to have some basis and the problem is that many don't really understand the difference between opinion and fact and hold opinions that have no valid basis whatsoever.
72 Posted 26/08/2016 at 14:38:41
73 Posted 26/08/2016 at 15:03:50
But I suspect the board isn't planning on shooting for the big stars at this stage. Going about things the Steve Walsh way uncovering lesser-known talent is a more patient and economically responsible approach. I just can't help drooling at the thought of Everton shopping off the top shelf again.
74 Posted 26/08/2016 at 15:38:41
75 Posted 26/08/2016 at 15:53:45
Mind you, I've a feeling (only a feeling mind) that he'd fit right in with the Nivea boys!! Prancing farts, all of them!
Stick with what we have in the goalkeeping department until the right player becomes available.
76 Posted 26/08/2016 at 16:32:15
I like RK's press conferences, he treats the media as they should be treated, like a gang of pseudo-professionals who largely sell nonsense. He's not a showman like so many.
77 Posted 26/08/2016 at 16:40:42
Yes Leicester bucked the trend but is that the plan hope to unearth enough gems and hope they gel together?
78 Posted 26/08/2016 at 16:58:03
79 Posted 26/08/2016 at 17:13:29
Why is it one or the other?. Why not a mix of home-grown, unearthed gems and a couple of top quality buys?. That's shaping up as Koeman's plan by the looks of it.
Leicester City is the most extreme case of course, but, money alone has never been a guarantee of anything.
Man City were taken over in 2008 and won stuff all til 2011.
How much was Chelsea's wage bill last season? They finished where?
The RS have spent stupid sums what've they achieved of late?
Sure there's usually a link between the squad that spends the most and the squad with the most quality. It's not conclusive proof of anything though.
Is Idrissa crap because he only cost £7M? Do Stek's saves not count for anything because we picked him up for pocket change in Premier league terms?
80 Posted 26/08/2016 at 22:26:38
It is about a mixture. City might not have won anything initially but they bought the likes of Robinho that made a statement and got the world of football taking notice of City.
We can call Chelsea and RS all we like but in recent times they have been more successful than us in terms of trophies and finishing above us in the league.
All I am saying is that we should be signing players who are better than what we have got and in my opinion Joe Hart is one of those players. If we could get a top striker instead, then okay... but is that on the cards?
81 Posted 26/08/2016 at 22:39:09
Very good GK who can be relied upon.
82 Posted 26/08/2016 at 23:29:30
Funnily enough the point about Robinho is the key one to me I just see it differently. The football world saw that City had a long way to go, before it had the quality to challenge, and that attracting quality was going to be both difficult and expensive for them.
That is the reality that was flagged up then and it's still just as valid today as we see unfolding before us now. City didn't become a force in the game until a lot more pieces were very expensively grafted on. That's when their intent became something that football people took notice of.
What you're doing is a lot like those clamouring for a trophy at all costs. It's looking at the show and not the substance.
You don't build a squad to peak and fade in a season or two. Redknapp famously made that mistake at Pompey and Leicester have just copied it. Leicester have no follow up talent in the pipeline building on what they did last season and no resilience. This season Will be a bit of a tough dose of reality for them.
You build the squad with the purpose of enduring at the pinnacle when you reach it. That's what Ferguson did, that's what Wenger has been desperately trying to do. Mourinho doesn't have the nature to do the strategic bit which is why he's never had the ability to hold a job for more than a few years. The planning has to be strategic as well as tactical. The trophies follow the squad not the other way around.
In context of Hart does he improve us to a degree worth his salary?. In my view no and he's not likely to form a part of a strategic plan for the next 2-3 seasons. Signing him then only makes the statement 'we don't know what we're doing but this'll look flashy on Sky Spurts!'. Wrong message to those that matter.
83 Posted 27/08/2016 at 00:29:11
Poor players can hide in good teams. I don't think Joe Hart is poor but his confidence looks shot.
84 Posted 27/08/2016 at 06:58:47
What you're doing is a lot like those clamouring for a trophy at all costs. It's looking at the show and not the substance.
I actually believe that quality additions to the team is what we need to build a team capable of winning trophies
There's nothing wrong with wanting to win it is what the game is all about anyway
As for Hart not being part of strategic plan for next few seasons where does that put Stek?
You can hardly say Hart would be a here and now signing
I stand by my opinion that we need better quality players to push on and I believe you need to add quality year on year not sit back and hope for the best
One thing we will all agree on today is COYB
85 Posted 27/08/2016 at 10:28:33
I do like the look of him but just 'cos Stek's had a couple of good games it shouldn't mean that position is sorted should it? If that was the case we need look no further than Joel.
How can we have "...no interest..." unquote, in Joe Hart?
86 Posted 27/08/2016 at 11:49:43
Hart may be a step up on what Sunderland have. He's not a step up on what we've got though. From my point of view he doesn't command his area and we've just got shut of one Manc reject keeper who was suspect in that regard.
Either way if Moyes is idiot enough to go for Hart it just shows he's in full on damage control mode. By next May Hart will be looking for his next step and Sunderland will then, if they're still up, be looking at a transfer fee they can't afford and an unsubsidised wage demand that blows their structure out of the water. He's not going to fit into any rational development plan for the club and he'll obstruct a keeper they could bring in who could be a better fit!.
We'd likely be able to absorb those things better than them...but is Hart worth it?. Don't see it myself.
87 Posted 27/08/2016 at 12:30:56
Short memories on here. I don't remember people howling for his blood over two years ago. Stek looks decent so far but not yet proven in my eyes and Joel is iffy cover I'd say.
88 Posted 27/08/2016 at 12:55:00
89 Posted 27/08/2016 at 13:02:47
Not a real top drawer keeper by any stretch though not when you stand him up next to Nige Martyn or big Nev.
90 Posted 27/08/2016 at 13:26:58
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1 Posted 25/08/2016 at 15:30:15