Everton boss Ronald Koeman bizarrely claims Romelu Lukaku should leave Goodison Park for Barcelona (but not just yet)
Toffees chief reckons the Belgian forward can't live up to his potential at the club... and should join La Liga giants
EVERTON boss Ronald Koeman has bizarrely claimed star striker Romelu Lukaku should LEAVE the club.
The Goodison Park chief, 53, reckons the Belgian forward has far too much potential to waste it at the Toffees - and hopes he joins a European giant like Barcelona.
Former Southampton boss Koeman added he sweet-talked Lukaku into staying on Merseyside for another year to aid his development, but in the summer, his time may be up.
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Koeman said: "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. What after this season comes, no one knows.
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"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."
Koeman went on to say that fellow Dutchman Patrick Kluivert enjoyed a fruitful career after joining Barca - and it's something Lukaku ought to consider.
He added: ";Kluivert was also a striker who was quite young when he was in the picture and had a fantastic career.
"Eventually Kluivert played for Barcelona, which could happen with Lukaku.
"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.
"Lukaku is potentially a great striker, one who is only 23-years-old."
The Belgian has been in sublime form this season, netting ten goals from just 13 games for club and country, including seven in the Premier League.