Lukaku's contract runs through the 2019 season. This "I'll listen to the new owner before I make my decision" is absolute and utter bullshit.
We own his ass through 2019 if we so choose. There is no decision for Rom to make. If he wants to go, he's going all about it the wrong way.
If I'm Everton, I call up his agent and tell him in no uncertain terms that we will NOT be selling his client for any price and if client continues to use the press to try and force a move, he'll be fined and then potentially banished to the reserves until he figures out his place. Furthermore, I'd warn his agent that if it's him advising Rom to make these noises in the press to attempt to force our hand, that we'll never deal with any of his clients again.
Make no mistake, we hold ALL of the cards here. Rom and his snidey agent hold none. Let me repeat. They hold none. They have no leverage here whatsoever.
And to make matters worse, if we choose to reduce his playing time and/or banish him to the reserves for awhile, that reduces his chances with Belgium going forward.
Now I know some of you are saying "get rid if he doesn't want to be here."
You know what? Not just no, but "hell no." He's paid great wages for a contract HE signed two years ago. He's got three years to go. I'd come out with a press release tomorrow saying Lukaku is not for sale and is an integral part of our plans for the new owner and manager. He can leave on a free at the end of his contract.
Very admirable sentiments. I would make two comments.
I haven't spoken to Lukaku personally so I don't know what he has said and how much of it is paper talk. I'll reserve judgement until Moshiri or the new manager speaks.
If he is completely unhappy at Everton and is engineering a move away we have to understand he is a multi-million pound asset, in business you don't destroy your assets. Unfortunately, if he is being a complete tit,, we can't afford to turn our backs on £50 mill or so.