Paul Merson has suggested that players will now be thinking twice about joining Everton, due to owner Farhad Moshiri.
Moshiri spoke at the Toffees’ General Meeting on Tuesday about Romelu Lukaku’s exit from the club, making a sensational claim about why he departed.
“Then, somehow, during the meeting they said he called his mother and said he was on a pilgrimage in Africa or somewhere and he had a voodoo and he got this message that he needs to go to Chelsea,” said Moshiri, as quoted by the Liverpool Echo.
Lukaku has since dismissed the story, revealing that he was hurt and upset, with BBC Sport sharing that he may now take legal action over the comments.
Merson shared that may be the least of Moshiri’s problems as his actions may lead to Everton missing out on players in the future.
The Sky Sports pundit wrote about the Toffees owner’s decision to address Lukaku’s exit in his latest Daily Star column.
“Everton owner Farhad Moshiri has shot himself in the foot by saying what he did about Romelu Lukaku,” wrote Merson.
“I’m not surprised Lukaku isn’t happy, because all that stuff about voodoo was totally unnecessary.
“If you’re a mad Everton fan, you will be loving his honesty, but if you were a player thinking about going there, you might think twice now.”
Merson revealed the fact Moshiri also spoke about Ross Barkley’s transfer dealing as being a reason why it’s now hard for players to trust the owner.
OPINION
Paul Merson is spot on with his comments here, how can any player trust their transfer dealings not to go public? Moshiri has showcased a lack of respect for a players’ privacy and while some may want to know the ins and outs of the club’s dealing, some things should remain off limits. The Lukaku story is perhaps the worse story Moshiri has shared yet, as you simply doubt it validness. It’s insane to think that Lukaku left Everton for anything relating to voodoo, and he’s right to express his outrage at the story. The only think Merson may be wrong about is when he suggested Everton fans will love Moshiri’s honesty. A lot of Toffees supporters are no doubt embarrassed about Moshiri’s comments as it’s brought a whole lot of negative attention to the club.