Ronald Koeman believes that Everton striker Romeu Lukaku is good enough to play for Barcelona.
During an exclusive interview with Dutch newspaper HLN, Everton boss Ronald Koeman discussed Romelu Lukaku’s future at the club, admitting that he is unsure if he will remain at Goodison Park beyond this season, and suggesting that he is good enough to play for Barcelona.
The Belgium international’s future was the subject of intense speculation throughout the summer, with reports of big money offers from some of Europe’s most elite clubs – most notably, Chelsea (the Sun).
Everton’s Romelu Lukaku
The 23-year-old has begun this season for the Toffees in fine form, scoring seven goals in 10 appearances for his club.
Koeman, who took the reins at Goodison in June, spoke to HLN, and made the strange move to tip Lukaku for a move to Barcelona one day, likening him to Patrick Kluivert:
Everton manager Ronald Koeman
“I think he can emulate Patrick Kluivert, who also rose to prominence at a young age and enjoyed a fantastic career. He eventually played for Barcelona and I can see Lukaku doing the same. Everton should normally not be the end for him. Romelu will not have made the most of his career if he plays for Everton for the remainder of his career. He has the potential to play for a bigger club than Everton, but nobody knows what will happen after this season.”
Koeman’s words are sure to cause a stir amongst the Everton fan base, after appearing to admit that his club are a step below the level where the Belgian should be looking to ply his trade.
Much will depend on how well the Toffees fare this season, and unless they can force their way into the Champions League places, it will be mightily hard for them to keep hold of Lukaku beyond the end of this current campaign.
Everton’s Romelu Lukaku celebrates scoring their first goal
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