A selection of Everton fans have been left fuming on social media after RB Leipzig manager Ralf Rangnick spoke out about re-signing Ademola Lookman this summer, confirming that talks were taking place between the two clubs.
The 20-year-old spent last season on loan with the German side and impressed with his displays, which has resulted in new Leipzig boss Rangnick hinting that the young attacker wanted a move back to the Bundesliga, stating on his side’s Twitter account: “I think 3 more signings is realistic. We’re still in talks over Lookman – we want him back and he wants to come.”
#Rangnick with a transfer update: "I think 3 more signings is realistic. We're still in talks over @Alookman_ – we want him back and he wants to come. We're also looking at something in central midfield, whether that's a no. 6, 8 or 10." #DieRotenBullen pic.twitter.com/TVK4KTCvCz
— RB Leipzig English (@RBLeipzig_EN) July 9, 2018
His comments have well and truly riled many of the Goodison Park faithful on Twitter, who have accused him of tapping Lookman up with a public pursuit, and insisted that their young talent is not for sale this summer.
This is Futbol has gathered a selection of the fans’ best messages:
Do us a favour and try and show some class … don't talk about players contracted to other teams …. especially ones whose owners have already told you that he's not for sale .
— Keith Wood (@woodsyefc) July 9, 2018
https://twitter.com/AndyCM81/status/1016309489706913792
Not for sale. ?????
— Josh Wilbert (@joshwilbert1) July 9, 2018
https://twitter.com/Jay1Chester/status/1016322616796336128
https://twitter.com/HazoJK43/status/1016311017905836032
Isn't this tapping up of a player?
— David Bridge (@bluedoc999) July 9, 2018
Tapping up much?
— ???????? ???? (@sludvigs) July 9, 2018
Opinion
It is no wonder to see the Goodison Park regulars lashing out at the German side, for the behaviour of their manager is lacking in decency. There is no way he should be talking about one of Everton’s players in that way – even if behind-the-scenes he does want the move to Germany. The transfer discussions should take place solely in the boardroom and only once something is agreed between the clubs should anything be made public. This puts an awful lot of pressure on Lookman and the Toffees to take action, and if he does go, then the club look like they have buckled to Leipzig’s demands.