Lukaku and Chelsea. One of the great love affairs in modern football. In a more tangible sense however, pundits from around the world are eager to see how Lukaku’s return to the Premier League will pan out. The Belgian very clearly stated that he was happy in Milan, but there was one club that he simply couldn’t turn down if they were to come knocking.
In what felt like a blur, Lukaku shook off the black stripes of Inter, as he switched to the royal blue of West London, as he very hastily made a move back to the club that played a crucial role in the development of his career.
But this move was about more than just homecoming. The tactical mettle shown by the Chelsea directorship to spend a sizeable fee on one of world football’s greatest goal threats was an absolute masterstroke.
While Tuchel’s Chelsea did eventually go on to win the Champions League, there was a void in the squad that left them with an attack that was far from sharp. This area had been focussed on in the transfer window prior, as the Blues brought in up and coming goal machine Timo Werner, however, since he’s donned the blue of Chelsea, he has failed to find form.
Some may further argue that Werner simply isn’t the player that would fit what Chelsea are looking to achieve. While he poses an immense threat due to his speed and history of goal getting, the Blues were more inclined to start Tammy Abraham, who offered more consistency in front of goal, and more of a physical presence.
In what felt like quite a natural transition after a sad day for Lampard fans, Tuchel too favoured a bigger target man-like presence to lead his line, and while Abraham was performing beyond many expected, there was one man Tuchel needed, a man who would always answer the call from Stamford Bridge.
In Lukaku, the Blues have one of the most complete number 9s in the game. He’s big, strong, and fast, and has a proven track record for goal-getting in the Premier League. He was immense during his time at Everton, where he netted 53 goals in 110 games. Nearly a goal every second game.
His time at Everton earned him a move to Manchester United, where he struggled to find the form, particularly the first touch, that many came to associate with him. By no means did his numbers reflect a flop, but many at Old Trafford were expecting more, and after two seasons, the Belgian left for Italy.
It was here that he reignited his career, becoming Inter’s talisman, later going on to win a league that had been dominated by Juventus for years. After an absolute barn storming two years in Milan, and somewhat of a rebirth, it was only ever going to be Chelsea with the ability to bring him back to the Premier League.
Bookmakers everywhere, from soccer betting sites in South Africa, to brick and mortar betting shops in the UK have all believed that Lukaku is the one to take the Blues to the next level, as they have kept prices for their odds for the Blues adding to their list of Premier League titles rather low.
This season, Lukaku’s return is personal. He is filling a void the Blues needed filled so desperately. He is completing his second spell at a club that oversaw his development, but what’s more is that he is returning to prove to everyone that he can provide at the top, while playing for one of the top teams in the league.