Lukaku may renew, but still has Chelsea dream
Romelu Lukaku’s Everton future often seems to be under question, and in the past that was largely helped by comments from the player himself and his agent.
Lukaku signing for Everton permanently from Chelsea was seen by some as a temporary step down, with the striker still eager to play in the Champions League and test himself at the highest level.
This week’s edition of the Betway Insider Podcast spoke to Belgian journalist Kristof Terreur to get some insight on the situation and a possible transfer. Kristof has been based in England for four years covering Belgium’s superstars in the Premier League, and during that time he’s built relationships and a knowledge of the players and their current situations.
When asked about Lukaku’s possible renewal, Terreur explained: “If I was him I wouldn’t sign a new deal, but… how many clubs can afford to pay what Everton is asking, around £60m to £70m?”
Arsenal were ruled out, already having Alexis Sanchez and Olivier Giroud, and Terreur said because Chelsea have Diego Costa in such good form: “They won’t take him.”
Manchester United were ruled out because Lukaku’s agent Mino Raiola wouldn’t fancy the striker battling with Zlatan Ibrahimovic, and he’s not thought to be a Pep Guardiola type player so: “Nobody wants him at the moment.”
It would also be difficult for Lukaku to find a place around Europe’s top clubs, with them pretty much all sorted out for strikers. This is why the player’s stance, and that of his agent, looks to have softened, despite rumours still circulating.
That doesn’t mean Lukaku has given up a dream of moving to what he’d perceive to be a bigger club, and the Belgian expert explained: “He wants the move, he definitely thinks he’s up to the move too. He wants to play Champions League, maybe Europa League, but if there are no clubs who can afford to pay then you’re going to stay there.
“And that’s why I think he’s now talking about a new contract. Being sure that you’re going to be paid quite well for a club like Everton, being the highest paid player.”
Still, renewal or not, the rumours will continue and Chelsea will be in the thick of it. If Lukaku does renew, Terreur doesn’t believe the club will agree to a buyout clause, but may offer something else: “I don’t think they will put in a release clause but they will make a sort of gentleman’s agreement.
“If there’s a £60m bid from Chelsea for instance, he’s still dreaming of Chelsea.”
Kristof Terreur provided some great further insight on Romelu Lukaku, transfer rumours, and the player’s situation, so listen to the full Betway Insider Podcast.
