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Romelu Lukaku’s fractious history with Jose Mourinho may work in Chelsea’s favour

By The Pride of London Staff

LIVERPOOL, ENGLAND - FEBRUARY 04: Romelu Lukaku of Everton (R) celebrates scoring his sides first goal with Ross Barkley of Everton (L) during the Premier League match between Everton and AFC Bournemouth at Goodison Park on February 4, 2017 in Liverpool, England. (Photo by Clive Brunskill/Getty Images)
LIVERPOOL, ENGLAND - FEBRUARY 04: Romelu Lukaku of Everton (R) celebrates scoring his sides first goal with Ross Barkley of Everton (L) during the Premier League match between Everton and AFC Bournemouth at Goodison Park on February 4, 2017 in Liverpool, England. (Photo by Clive Brunskill/Getty Images) /
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Call it wishful thinking, but rumours of Romelu Lukaku’s return to Chelsea are picking up a great deal of momentum. Beyond Lukaku’s ambitions, his support for Chelsea and rocky relationship with Jose Mourinho point towards him wearing Blue next season.

Romelu Lukaku has the ambition and talent for an Antonio Conte squad. Chelsea have the money to pay for his transfer fee and wage packet. The only thing that remains is warding off any competition for his signature from Manchester United. Jose Mourinho may have taken care of that on Chelsea’s behalf during his second stint as manager.

Like many players – both fringe and world-class – Lukaku’s history with Jose Mourinho is, well, complicated. Mourinho alleged that Lukaku did not have the the right mentality and motivation for the “competitive situation at Chelsea” (see also: de Bruyne, Kevin). Mourinho expanded on those comments to say that selling Lukaku to Everton helped Chelsea comply with Financial Fair Play.

Later, Lukaku said that his move to Everton was entirely his own doing. He said he had nothing but warm feelings and a positive relationship towards Mourinho.

Well. Who to believe?

"I don’t think he’ll go to Manchester United unless they offer him too much money. His relationship with Jose Mourinho is toxic. Mourinho alienated him beyond belief. And Romelu Lukaku is a Chelsea supporter. Chelsea are his club. – Barrett Rouen, The Blue Lions"

Whereas Romelu Lukaku and Jose Mourinho have a mixed history, Antonio Conte has long admired Lukaku’s ability. Chelsea’s increased fixture schedule next season necessitates reinforcements across the squad. Diego Costa’s potential departure will free up the place in the squad and bring in the money necessary to add Lukaku.

Manchester United appear to be Chelsea’s only real competition for the Belgian. Despite his deep ambitions, Lukaku has not indicated a desire to move to the continent. Nor have any transfer rumours linked him with a move to a Champions League powerhouse like Bayern Munich, Real Madrid or Barcelona.

Real and Barcelona have neither the need for a striker like Lukaku, nor a system in which he would thrive. Among the Champions League favorites, Bayern Munich would be the best destination as Lukaku could gradually take over for Robert Lewandowski. However, Bayern have shown no interest, leaving the two rich Premier League sides to compete for him.

The prospect of a Lukaku return is so tantalizing and so auspicious for the Blues’ future that one can overlook the fact that Chelsea sold him without a buy-back clause. Chelsea have enough money from this season’s players sales – notably, Oscar – to afford whatever Everton asks and Mino Raiola extorts.

Next: Antonio Conte steadfastly refuses to take the bait at Chelsea's press conferences

If Antonio Conte determines that Romelu Lukaku is the future of Chelsea’s front-line, the club should do what it takes to close the deal. Given Lukaku’s desire to leave Everton and affinity for Chelsea, it may be less than they suspect.

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