Chelsea’s history tells the tales of some of football’s most legendary strikers. The names Peter Osgood and Didier Drogba immediately come to mind, but that’s just the tip of the iceberg. Nevertheless, whilst the forwards’ careers contain stints at the west London club, the Blues’ accomplishments are also defined by the No. 9 that led the line during any given time. The Roman Abramovich era has seen mixed results in this regard. On one hand we have Drogba’s legendary header in the Champions League final; in the other palm is the fragile, failed stint of Spaniard Alvaro Morata.
Recently, Chelsea hasn’t gotten much right as it relates to its strikers. One of the biggest mistakes anywhere in European football over the last decade was made when the Blues let Belgian forward Romelu Lukaku depart in 2014. Chelsea has had to live with that regret for the last seven years. The Blues needn’t suffer any longer though. Lukaku is finally back where he belongs and his return is set to usher in a new era at Stamford Bridge.
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Former Inter Milan striker Romelu Lukaku makes his much-anticipated return to Chelsea after €115 million transfer
Last time Lukaku sported the Chelsea badge, the golden generation—featuring a core of John Terry, Frank Lampard, Petr Cech, Drogba, Ashley Cole and numerous others—was coming to an end. The young striker was left out of the 25-man European squad when the Blues secured their first Champions League title. Despite that, Lukaku represented the future of the club. Unfortunately, some poor decision making saw Chelsea pay for it when it let Lukaku, Kevin De Bruyne and Mohamed Salah depart within the next few years. While the 28-year-old may have missed the club’s second UCL trophy, as well, the chance to repeat is much greater this time around.
Lukaku joins one of the most exciting squads in European football. Mason Mount, Kai Havertz, Reece James and numerous others represent a long-term core at Stamford Bridge. The Blues may still employ the likes of Cesar Azpilicueta and Thiago Silva for leadership, but they presumably won’t be around for much longer. The torch needs passing and who better to hand it off to than the Belgian. Lukaku now has the chance to be a part of Chelsea’s new golden generation—this time as one of the elder statesman.
He’s so much more than that though.
The new record transfer is undoubtedly the best striker the club has seen since Diego Costa, if not Drogba. Lukaku is going to quickly find himself involved in one of the most exciting attacking units in the country and he’ll have the opportunity to come out of the gate firing with all of the creativity around him. The reigning Serie A MVP has seen his game mature since his last time in England. Not only that, he’s worked incredibly hard to improve his weaknesses, making him one of the most complete forwards in world football.
Lukaku gives the Blues a legitimate shot at a dynasty. Thomas Tuchel is in it for the long haul and it finally seems as if the board is too, based on its relationship with the German gaffer thus far. Chelsea has spent years building a young nucleus who can undoubtedly achieve sustained greatness and it looks to have finally succeeded. The new look Blues now have a Champions League and Super League title under their belt; it’s safe to say this is only the beginning. Their European Championship defense during the upcoming season will go a long way in showing opponents how sustainable this success is, and the acquisition of Lukaku makes winning titles that much easier.
It’s a new era at Chelsea, strap in and enjoy the ride.