Ademola Lookman’s future on Merseyside continues to be shrouded in doubt, as clubs continue to be linked with the Everton winger.
Southampton, AFC Bournemouth, and RB Leipzig have all seen their names cast alongside Lookman’s in the transfer columns, and more recently Besiktas appeared to join the race.
Unlike their English and German competition, the Super Lig outfit are only interested in a loan deal though, and despite only entering the frame in the last week, have already hit an early hurdle in their negotiations.
TRT Spor journalist Firat Gunayer reported earlier in the week that Umut Guner’s meeting with Everton chiefs had begun to stall, as he refused to meet the €1.5million (£1.3m) fee we allegedly demanded if they wish to receive Lookman’s services for a season.
Gunayer’s outlet, though, later claimed the Black Eagles are much more willing to make a deal happen than their reporter understood, as the Istanbul side would consider upping their initial offer to €2million (£1.7m), in order to see that the 21-year-old join Abdullah Avci’s side in time for pre-season training.
TRT Spor did not suggest if that price would be more to Marcel Brands’ tastes, but our Director of Football must be hesitant to the idea of loaning Lookman out again.
As mentioned before on this site, Lookman’s contract with Everton only runs until the summer of 2021, so loaning the Charlton product out for a season would risk the England U21 international returning with a year remaining on his deal, and a willingness to run it out to leave on a free transfer.
We have already lost at least £5million on Lookman by rejecting RB Leipzig’s approaches in 2018, so if Marco Silva does not see a future where the 21-year-old is a part of his plans, we more than likely will have to sell him this summer to get the best price available.
If the boss can see a route Lookman can take that would see him return to the starting line up at Goodison Park, then we may have to offer the winger a contract extension first. But that option risks having another high-earner on Merseyside when they do not necessarily deserve it, akin to Ashley Williams’ final years and maybe now with Sandro Ramirez.