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Ronald Koeman: Lukaku’s potential ‘greater than Everton’, he can emulate Kluivert by joining Barcelona
Everton striker Romelu Lukaku has seemingly received the support of manager Ronald Koeman to leave the club at the end of the season to fulfil his potential.
Lukaku, 23, attempted to force a move away from Everton in the summer, with former club Chelsea reportedly interested in taking the Belgian back to Stamford Bridge.
Koeman managed to convince Lukaku to remain at Everton for another season, but the Dutchman has conceded his main striker will need to leave to continue his development.
"I gave him confidence and he has himself recognised that it was good for his development to play another year at Everton. There is a very good contact and appreciation between us," Koeman told Belgian newspaper HLN.
"No one knows what will come after this season. If Romelu was to play at Everton until the end of his career, I know he has left something (behind). His potential is greater and higher than Everton, as a final destination."
While Chelsea remain a possible destination for Lukaku, Koeman has said the striker, who has scored 68 goals in 138 games for Everton, can emulate his fellow Dutchman Patrick Kluivert by succeeding at Barcelona.
"Kluivert was also a striker who was quite young in the picture and had a fantastic career. Eventually Kluivert played for Barcelona, which could happen with Lukaku," Koeman said.
"He is potentially a great striker, one who is only 23 years old. I think Lukaku is quite complete. He can hold a ball and be a target man and, because he is tall and physically strong. You can play directly with the long ball."
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