Lukaku return dismissed as agent blocks Everton interest

Any hopes of a sensational Romelu Lukaku return to Everton have been firmly dismissed, with the striker’s camp closing the door on a January move despite exploratory interest from Goodison Park.

The Belgian forward is yet to play a competitive minute for Napoli this season as he continues his recovery from a hamstring injury. Even so, his future has been a talking point in Italy amid Napoli’s wider plans for the January window.

According to Il Mattino, Everton have explored the possibility of bringing Lukaku back to Merseyside this month. The report suggests the Toffees sounded out the situation through the player’s representatives rather than via a formal club-to-club approach.

That interest went no further. Lukaku’s agent, Federico Pastorello, is said to have immediately rejected the idea of a transfer, effectively ending any prospect of a short-term reunion.

Pastorello, one of Italy’s most influential agents, has represented Lukaku on multiple occasions throughout a career that has seen the striker work with several agencies.

Everton were not alone in their interest. Beşiktaş also approached Lukaku as they search for a potential replacement for Tammy Abraham.

That option was likewise dismissed, with Lukaku expected to remain in Naples until the end of the season. The 32-year-old is reportedly determined to establish himself under Antonio Conte, particularly with Lorenzo Lucca widely expected to leave the club this month.

While a January move has been ruled out, Lukaku’s longer-term future remains open. Italian sources suggest that if he does leave Napoli in the summer, a switch to Saudi Arabia would be far more likely than a return to the Premier League.

Lukaku’s output last season — 25 goal contributions in Serie A — underlines that his quality has not vanished. However, his recent injury issues, advancing age and substantial wage demands complicate any potential move back to England.

From Everton’s perspective, there is an argument that moving on may be the wiser option. Lukaku’s pedigree is unquestioned, but at 32 he no longer fits the profile of a long-term solution, particularly for a club looking to manage costs and reduce risk.

Younger, more sustainable targets are expected to remain the priority for the Toffees, who may also be keen to avoid the off-field noise that has often followed Lukaku throughout his career.

Lukaku will continue his rehabilitation and attempt to force his way into Napoli’s plans under Antonio Conte. Any transfer decision is now expected to be revisited only after the season ends.

Did Everton make the right call by sounding out a Lukaku return, or should the door stay firmly shut on a reunion?