Everton broke their club-record transfer fee, almost doubling it to sign Belgian striker Romelu Lukaku after a successful loan spell for The Toffees in the 2013-14 campaign. It has the potential to be a very good move for both the club and Lukaku’s future, which has been uncertain ever since his move to the Premier League was confirmed – he was immediately loaned out to West Brom after his £19million move to Chelsea from Belgian club Anderlecht back in 2011.
This is what Lukaku had to say on the move: “I am really excited about rejoining Everton. I had a fantastic experience last season and a great relationship with the manager, the chairman, the staff, the players and the fans. I can’t wait to get started again and I’m looking forward to a successful season. I have a good relationship with the players – this is the place where I belong. I decided quickly I wanted to come back, here I have the trust of the staff and supporters.”
He is one of the most promising young stars in Europe today, and his unveiling as Everton’s third summer signing (after Barry and Besic) is a huge signal of intent to the rest of the league as a whole, Everton have snapped up a talent who is destined to be world-class for many years to come.
The reason Chelsea will regret selling a player of Lukaku’s class is because they have limited options in attack, and Lukaku is a long-term investment that they failed to see.
Manager Jose Mourinho has said that Lukaku left the club because he’s not willing to fight for his place, but he wanted to be assured of first-team opportunities which to be frank would not have happened if he still played for Chelsea. Diego Costa is good, at the peak of his career. If you’re lucky, they may be able to get 2 or 3 good seasons out of him, the same with Fernando Torres.
Didier Drogba has come back to the club mainly to boost morale, as well as the potential of become a player coach in the not to distant future. So he’s not exactly going to be expected to score 20+ goals a season. Lukaku can.
This will come as good news to Evertonians everywhere, after English midfield startlet Ross Barkley recently agreed a new five-year contract deal – stating that former Everton youngster Wayne Rooney’s (now of United) move away was crushing, he is not going to do the same.
The future is looking bright for Everton, they have secured European competition for the upcoming season after a solid campaign in 2013-14, finishing 5th and narrowly missing out of UEFA Champions League. They will be playing in the Europa League, which could be bad or good for them depending on their squad depth and if they keep their key players injury-free.
Mo and Sports 