Ex-Everton midfielder Gareth Barry has discussed the possibility of his former club re-signing his old team-mate Romelu Lukaku
Romelu Lukaku of SSC Napoli looks dejected during the Pre-Season friendly match between SSC Napoli and Brest at Stadio "Teofilo Patini" on August 3, 2025 in Castel di Sangro, Italy. (Photo by Giuseppe Maffia/NurPhoto via Getty Images)
Former Everton striker Romelu Lukaku has endured a troubled second season at Napoli(Image: Giuseppe Maffia/NurPhoto via Getty Images)
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Gareth Barry has backed Everton to re-sign Romelu Lukaku after the prolific striker's future at Napoli was thrown into doubt.
Lukaku pulled out of the Belgium squad for the friendlies against the USA and Mexico in North America but instead of returning to Napoli for training, he headed to his home country for treatment.
The Serie A club have since said they are considering taking “disciplinary action” against the 32-year-old, who has endured a difficult season both professionally and personally.
Lukaku has been restricted to just seven substitute appearances after sustaining a serious hamstring injury in the first half of the campaign and suffered the death of his father in September.
What happens next is unclear but Barry, who played alongside the Belgian during his four goal-laden seasons at Everton, would not be against his former club making a summer move.
"Romelu Lukaku back to Everton? Having played with Romelu, there aren't many proper number nine strikers out there right now, and that's what Romelu is," said the former England midfielder to BOYLE Sports, who offer the latest football odds.
"He just loves scoring goals. Everything in training is focused on scoring goals. Even after the training session is finished, all he wants to do is practise finishing.
"At 32, knowing his character, he'll still be hungry to keep playing and scoring goals. So, I wouldn't discourage any team looking for that number nine and someone with experience from considering Romelu.
"Especially after him missing out on the Napoli spot this season, he'll have a point to prove as well. Who knows? A good World Cup for him and there might be some interested suitors."
Lukaku scored 87 goals in 166 appearances for the Blues before making a £75m transfer to Manchester United.
After spells at Inter, Chelsea and Roma, he has spent the past two years at Napoli, helping them to the Serie A title last season.
A day before the Napoli statement, Lukaku said on social media: "This season has been a lot for me, from dealing with the injury and the personal loss. I know there has been a lot of noise about my situation in the last few days and it's important to clarify the whole situation.
"The truth is the last few weeks I wasn’t feeling right physically and I had it checked out while I was in Belgium and it showed me that there was an inflammation and liquid on my hip flexor muscle next to my scar tissue. It is the second problem I had since coming back early November.
"I chose to do the rehab in Belgium so I can help the team when called upon. There's nothing I would love more than to do than play and win with my team. But right now I have to make sure I am 100% because I haven't been recently and it took a toll mentally.
"It's been a lot this year. But in the end, I will get there and help Napoli and the national team to their respective objectives when called upon. That's all I want."
Everton currently have Beto and Thierno Barry as their striking options.
The latter scored twice as the Blues won 3-0 at home to Chelsea last time out to boost the club's hopes of qualifying for Europe.
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