Without a doubt, Romelu Lukaku is one of the best strikers in the Premier League. The Everton frontman scored 18 league goals last season, as well as netting a number of crucial strikes en route to the semi-finals of the FA Cup at Wembley Stadium.
He is key to Belgium’s hopes at Euro 2016 where the Red Devils will be banking on the goals that could take them all the way to the final
Unfortunately, his excellent individual performances have attracted plenty of attention and Lukaku may be keen on a move away from Goodison Park if one of Europe’s elite clubs comes knocking. In recent weeks, he has been linked with a return to Chelsea, as well as moves abroad to the likes of Paris Saint-Germain and Juventus.
On his way?
According to various local and national reports, Everton have put an estimated price tag of £65 million on Lukaku’s head. At just 23 years old, the Belgium striker is still a raw talent and he could blossom into one of the very best forwards on the planet.
His unique blend of size, speed and strength gives him a distinct advantage over his team-mates and Lukaku is more than capable of playing at the highest level of club football. He’s certainly shown enough quality to suggest that he could more than hold his own in a Champions League side.
If truth be told, Everton simply couldn’t turn down a bid in the region of £60 million for the 23-year-old. While Lukaku is a sensational footballer, £60 million is a lot of money and Everton’s new manager could build a strong core with solid, astute investment using those funds.
The Toffees are in dire need of investment in key areas and the money from Lukaku’s sale could benefit Everton in the long run. While former Arsenal shareholder Farhad Moshiri has promised to give the club ‘whatever he has’, the additional funds would be more than welcomed at Goodison Park. After all, Everton need to self-finance their transfer activity more than most Premier League sides do.
International Duty Calls
Lukaku will now join up with his Belgian team-mates for a number of international friendlies before heading to the European Championship in France. Marc Wilmots’ men are one of the dark horses to succeed this summer and Lukaku, who has scored 12 goals in 43 appearances for the national side, could be crucial to their chances of victory.
The Everton striker has struggled to inspire confidence throughout the last few months but Lukaku will be raring to perform well this summer. If nothing else, he will be self-motivated to prove his worth on the biggest stage of all – especially if the likes of Chelsea, PSG and Juventus are watching his every move.
Belgium will need Lukaku to be at his brilliant best if they are to challenge for glory at Euro 2016. Marc Wilmots’ side failed to convince at the 2014 World Cup in Brazil before crashing out to Argentina in the quarter-finals and Belgium will need to be much better if they are to enhance their reputation on the international stage.
At times, Lukaku can look laboured in Belgium’s attack and he sometimes cannot keep up with the likes of Eden Hazard, Kevin de Bruyne and Everton team-mate Kevin Mirallas. If Lukaku has one real weakness, it is his worth ethic. The Toffees man has been criticised for his lack of effort at times this season and he will need to put a shift in this summer if he is to make a lasting impression on the competition.
Romelu Lukaku is a real asset and Everton fans will be hoping that he changes his mind and looks to develop his career at Goodison Park. However, if he wants to move on then Toffees supporters will bear no hard feelings – especially if they can get at least £50 million for the Belgium striker…