Roberto Martínez has made the remarkable claim that Everton should not fear losing Romelu Lukaku this summer because Farhad Moshiri’s investment means “financially we can compete against anyone in world football”.
Lukaku raised further doubts over his future at Goodison Park while on international duty by admitting he wants to play in the Champions League next season. The Belgium international’s agent, Mino Raiola, has since touted Real Madrid, Paris Saint-Germain and Juventus as possible destinations for the 25-goal striker.
Martínez refused to comment on the forward’s future – Lukaku has three years remaining on his contract at the end of this season. He insisted Moshiri’s purchase of a 49.9% stake in the club had transformed the financial situation at Goodison and could compensate for the loss of key assets.
“It’s not unsettling at all because that should be the aspiration of everyone here, wanting to be the best you can and be in the best competition,” said the Everton manager on Lukaku’s comments. “We have that at Everton. We want to be competing to win titles. We’ve been in one semi-final, now we’re in another. We want a good momentum and players need to be part of it. We need ambitious players who can carry our expectations.
“We shouldn’t be afraid about losing players because financially we can compete against anyone in world football. Things have changed radically in that respect. In the last six windows we have become stronger and have made a more talented squad. That’s what we are going to carry on doing. We will speak about individual situations at the end of the season but we should not fear losing anyone because we can compete financially against anyone. To play for Everton should be an honour and a privilege.”
Martínez also called for greater perspective over the form of John Stones, who came under renewed scrutiny after a costly slip during England’s defeat by Holland at Wembley.
Martínez said: “John is only 21 and people need to understand that. We accelerated his role at this club and over the last three seasons his progression has been remarkable but he is still learning the game. At Wembley you’re looking at how much he is affected by that mistake but from that point onwards he showed great character and how strong he is.
“At 21 he is still way ahead of where he should be. We should all be aware he’s such a young player and shouldn’t be under that scrutiny at that stage of his career. If you think that at 21 he will be the finished article then you’re in the wrong game.”
