Journalist tips sensational Romelu Lukaku return with Everton ‘absolutely desperate’ for a striker
Chelsea striker Romelu Lukaku has a place at a Premier League team and would make a good fit for Everton amid their “desperate” need for a striker, according to Dan Bardell.
The Sky Sports journalist said on Good Morning Transfers (24 August) that amid Lukaku’s issues at Chelsea, Everton could do with a shock loan move for Belgium’s all-time top scorer to help their lack of goal threat.
While Bardell was quick to admit his “wild speculation”, he suggested that perhaps a step down to a midtable Premier League side could be a good option for the 30-year-old to get back on the pitch after falling out of favour in West London.
Speaking live on Sky Sports’ Good Morning Transfers, Bardell said: “I think it depends on what Chelsea are looking for, if they’re looking for a loan or a permanent.
“Premier League teams aren’t going to be able to afford to bring him in on a permanent. I don’t think the ones that would be interested could, so it would have to be a loan and then Chelsea would be looking at probably playing a high portion of his wages.
“I watched Everton live at Villa Park on Sunday. They’re absolutely desperate for a striker. Obviously, he’s played there before. He likes going back to his old teams, doesn’t he?
“Maybe it’s wild speculation on my behalf, he’s not been linked to Everton at all. I think there’s a place for him in the Premier League, but would he allow himself to take that step down from Champions League team to play for a Fulham, a Crystal Palace or an Everton?”
Not looking likely
Everton fans would relish the chance to have their all-time Premier League top scorer back at Goodison Park, but the move seems quite unlikely.
The Daily Mail reported (24 August) that Tottenham are considering a loan move for the recent Champions League finalist after his move to Juventus collapsed earlier this summer.
Lukaku announced himself as an elite-level goalscorer during his time at Everton and his subsequent move to Manchester United earned him a place among Europe’s elite.
Once you’ve reached those lofty heights, it can be difficult to climb your way back down to so-called smaller teams.
What is true is that Lukaku’s second Chelsea stint has been a flop. With 15 goals in 44 Chelsea appearances, he struggled to live up to his £97.5million price tag and was subsequently loaned back to former club Inter Milan.
Lukaku has since been training alone and away from the Chelsea squad, a clear statement from Mauricio Pochettino that he does not fit into this plans at Stamford Bridge.
Bardell is accurate in that Lukaku has made a habit of returning to former sides. He joined Everton permanently in 2014 after his loan from Chelsea. He then rejoined Chelsea from Manchester United and has had two stints at the San Siro.
A shock third stint at Goodison Park seems unlikely, but Lukaku is better off at any top-flight club than hiding away at Chelsea.
In other Everton news, Ledley King has shared his verdict on Dele Alli amid the Toffees’ on-field issues.