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Four words Farhad Moshiri said to Romelu Lukaku that left a sour taste at Everton

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Romelu Lukaku’s Everton career was a great success, but despite a solid four seasons, he didn’t end his time at Goodison Park how he wanted.

Lukaku was a menace in front of goal for Everton and 87 goals in 166 games explains that.

The Belgian was such a joy to watch for the Toffees and was arguably the best striker in the Premier League at times.

Coming second with 25 goals in the Premier League Golden Boot race in 2016/17 emphasised that, and after Beto scored in four consecutive Everton games, he’s on the right track to emulate Lukaku next season.

However, all good things must come to an end, and unlike Beto, Lukaku left Everton to join Manchester United in 2017, but his exit didn’t go down to well with a certain Farhad Moshiri.

Everton v Manchester City - Premier League
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What Farhad Moshiri said to Romelu Lukaku before Everton exit

The time was right for the striker to move on after his ambition outgrew Everton.

When a team like United came knocking it’s difficult to say no, especially with Jose Mourinho in charge.

However, Moshiri and the board weren’t having any of it and practically tried to turn Lukaku against the idea of leaving.

Speaking to OTRO in a video (04/03/19) Lukaku explained why his exit from Everton didn’t go to plan, but discussed his reasoning in moving to United.

“Even at Everton, when I said I didn’t want to sign a new contract, it was a problem,” Lukaku said.

“‘Why should I leave?’ they said.

“Why should I miss the chance to play in the Champions League somewhere else? I had two clubs to go to that summer and I chose one because I wanted to play in the Champions League and win trophies.

“What’s the problem with wanting to win trophies? If someone else is doing it, there’s no problem.”

READ MORE: How Beto’s shooting stats for Everton in 2025 compare to Man City’s Erling Haaland and Liverpool’s Mohamed Salah

How Beto can finally replace Lukaku at Everton under David Moyes

Since his departure, Everton are yet to find someone to fill the void in Lukaku’s absence.

Sandro Ramirez, Cenk Tosun, and Oumar Niasse have all tried and failed to replicate what the Belgian did for the Toffees.

Dominic Calvert-Lewin was almost there, but couldn’t quite stay consistent which is where the striker currently finds himself, as Calvert-Lewin’s future is uncertain at Everton.

This is where Beto steps in.

He’s been firing on all cylinders under David Moyes, as what Lukaku did best was being a nuisance for defenders, and Beto has proven that with his aggression.

It’s still early days under the Moyes reign but the way he’s going, could Beto finally be the Lukaku replacement Evertonians have been begging for.