There seems to be a growing trend for players returning to their old clubs recently. This could be down to mistakes, or even lack of worry about the financial losses it takes to enable them, but either way Chelsea are re-joining the trend they started with Matic. Romelu Lukaku who was once lauded as the next Didier Drogba, and could be coming back to the bridge, but is such a move in the best interests of both him and the club?
Paul Pogba returned to United for £89m after being sold four years earlier for just £800k. Whilst Real Madrid took back their talent Alvaro Morata at a loss. Now it is Chelsea’s turn and Lukaku is firmly in their sights.
While I would prefer to see the return of Peter Osgood or Gianfranco Zola, I admit Lukaku might be able to do a job for us. Lukaku was very raw at Chelsea the first time around, arriving mainly for his physical attributes. Mourinho didn’t seem to have the time or the patience to create a player from scratch and give him game time he needed, yet Mourinho’s gone and Antonio Conte has already quickly moved to sort out the issue of lack of goals from last season.
Michy Batshuayi became his first signing and everyone has high hopes after spotting him at the Euros. The only problem stemming from this would be the direct competition if Lukaku arrived too. He would need to find his place and beat out the like of Diego Costa, Batshuayi and Loic Remy, the latter of who is expected to leave. Also, Lukaku enjoys top spot at Everton but I am not sure he will be able to enjoy such a comfortable existence in West London.
Lukaku definitely has some unfinished business at the bridge with his childhood hero being Drogba. He never lived up to that mantle during his tenure and will feel like a second chance is warranted now he has honed his craft. Lukaku would also suit Antonio Conte’s style, his pace lets him in behind defences but his power upfront could be a great asset to a team that will need him to utilise a more direct play, as Chelsea prioritise defence. With someone like Hazard at the club though and both of them knowing each other from the national team, there will always be a chance, a flash of brilliance, to create a goal from nothing.
Unfortunately, power and pace in a striker’s position counts for little as finishing is what you will always be judged on. When asked what was best attribute Kevin Phillips had, you would find it hard to note one particular skill. You inevitably just end up saying, “he scores buckets of goals”. Luke Michaels of Bookmakers TV says “Chelsea has a much higher pressure than Everton. You can see for Belgium, where the pressure is comparable, he struggles to get the goals on a regular basis. Everton gives him breathing room to relax which helps him play at the top of his game”. Would Romelu ever be able to produce on a bigger stage?
One of the reasons Mourinho reportedly let him go was his mentality. Lukaku would have certainly drawn confidence being the star man in Liverpool and become a better player, but can an attitude really be changed. Chelsea would be a great move for Lukaku no doubt, he would get a chance at redemption and follow his hero Drogba. Whether it is the right move for Chelsea, I am not sure.
We already have our brand new Belgian striker, and it is not yet known if he will make the grade. To risk two duds in one transfer window with the knowledge one has already failed is too much risk for me. Of course with Abramovich it is always easy taking risks as he has money to burn, but would Lukaku really boost the club back in to title winning contention? I for one am not so sure.
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