At the start of the season Everton’s transfer expectations may have been somewhat lower than they are now. But, with Roberto Martinez coming in to breathe new life into the club, joining Everton now offers the chance of European football and the possibility of playing with a team on a serious upward trajectory.
A perfect example – at the beginning of the season the thought of holding onto Romelu Lukaku long term seemed a rather fanciful notion. For, if Chelsea didn’t want him back for some reason there would be no end of interested parties from all over Europe. There is little doubt that the young Belgian is going to be a top player and one that most Everton fans would love to hold on to.
But such has been the upward trajectory at Everton that there now appears to be realistic hope for the club to sign him permanently. The Guardian reports that:
Lukaku’s agent, Christophe Henrotay, has said that he has spoken to the Tottenham chairman, Daniel Levy, about the possibility of his client moving to White Hart Lane, although Everton, with whom the Belgium striker is currently on a season-long loan, appear to be at the front of the queue for his signature.
Obviously Champions League qualification would tip the balance heavily in Everton’s favour. Beating Arsenal at the weekend would be a massive step in the right direction. Everton would perhaps also have to defeat Manchester United at Goodison, in what could amount to one of the greatest sporting ironies, if they want to achieve that top four finish. But even if The Toffees don’t make it this time, there appears to be a growing expectation that Everton can hold onto Ross Barkley and Lukaku beyond the summer, as Roberto’s renaissance continues to gather pace.
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