Back in 2010, when a fresh faced teenager by the name of Romelu Lukaku came in tour to visit the Chelsea facilities, he made a peculiar statement, “The day I will cry is when I have the chance to play in this stadium”.
The Belgian goal scoring machine, who reportedly scored over 150 goals for Anderlecht youth sides was soon fast tracked into the Belgian club’s first team, and scored all manner of goals that belied his tender years.
In 2011, he got signed for £18m as the future replacement for legendary striker, Didier Drogba who Lukaku had termed his role model. However, he failed to get in the team on a regular basis and ended his first season on the periphery of the first team, often for the academy.
He got loaned to West Brom in 2012/13 and scored a massive 17 goals for the Baggies, underlying his status as a player with massive potential.
However, he wanted to become first choice striker at Stamford Bridge, however new manager, Jose Mourinho couldn’t gamble on a teenage striker to spearhead a title bid. Another loan move beckoned, and this time he was farmed out to Everton.
In 2014, Chelsea signed Diego Costa and by this time, the young Belgian knew that his time at Stamford Bridge was over. He signed permanently to Everton and the story has continued to get better for him.
Since 2012, no player has scored more league goals bar Sergio Aguero than the Belgian’s 85. This season has seen him score 25, only second to Harry Kane on 29. Chelsea striker, Diego Costa is set for a switch to China, and Lukaku’s name has been bandied about in the inner circles at Stamford Bridge.
The player is just 24, and has the rest of his career still ahead of him. He will have no issues with adapting to the life at Stamford Bridge, and just like Paul Pogba at Manchester United, will return as a king.
Chelsea must do all they can to sign Lukaku, even if it means a huge transfer offer as he is one player who has unfinished business at the club.
