What would Chelsea get from Romelu Lukaku’s £50 million?
Chelsea FC are looking to bring Romelu Lukaku back to Stamford Bridge with an initial offer of £50 million. The Blues are on a spending spree and are looking to bolster their attack even more after already completing the transfer of Michy Batshuayi.
If Manchester United can try to bring back one of their own for a supposed £120 million, then why can’t Chelsea do the same with Romelu Lukaku at a much lower price? Chelsea acquired Lukaku from Anderlecht in 2011 for £20 million. The Belgian youngster was touted to fill the boots of Chelsea legend Didier Drogba.
At Chelsea, as the story goes for many young players, Lukaku’s chances for playing with the first team dwindled to nothing. He warmed the benches and made the rare substitute appearance. As usual, he was loaned to West Bromwich Albion, where he showcased the talents for which Chelsea initially bought him for by scoring 17 goals in 35 appearances.
He was then loaned to Everton where he scored 10 goals in the 2014/15 season. He transferred permanently to Goodison Park and became the first player in an Everton shirt to score 18 goals in a season for the club.
| Diego Costa | Michy Batshuayi | Romelu Lukaku | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Total appearances | 28 | 36 | 37 |
| Goals scored | 12 | 17 | 18 |
| Shot accuracy | 53% | 56% | 56% |
| Total chances created | 30 | 27 | 51 |
For his age, Lukaku has immense bodily strength and a rugged physique, a trait which is a must for playing in the Premier League. He uses his strength to open up space, where his poaching instincts made him a fan’s favourite at Everton. He has decent pace and can connect with his surrounding players, as demonstrated by his frequent linkups with Everton’s right-winger Gerard Delofeu.
As Antonio Conte is an admirer of attacking football, a player like Lukaku should hold a pivotal place in the team should the Blues complete the transfer. The Belgian has similar traits to Diego Costa (excluding the unwanted anger of course!). He is physical, agile and can hold play up front in an exquisite manner because of his upper body strength.
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The only place where Lukaku will fit under Conte’s system is as the striker or maybe the second striker if need be. Romelu Lukaku is a low-risk striking option for Antonio Conte because he already has the tools and understanding necessary to fill the role.
Stats via whoscored.com.