Loaned out to Fortuna Dusseldorf for the 2018/19 season because Javi Gracia couldn’t fit him in his plans, Watford’s Dodi Lukebakio had the time of his life in Germany, attracting a lot of interest along the way.
Bursting onto the scene with a hat trick against Bayern Munich, the young Belgian winger is now on many clubs’ wishlist for the summer, and there’s a strong chance he could find himself somewhere other than Vicarage Road next season.
Currently with the Belgium U21 squad, Lukebakio stopped to have a chat with Foot Mercato in the mixed zone after their 3-0 loss to France in a friendly to talk about his season and what the future held for him.
He said: “I’m satisfied with my season. I played a lot, which will help mentally for the Euros. Physically, we’ll need to be at the top. It’s a special moment. As for Lille’s interest, it’s nice to hear. I’ve always said anything can happen in football. I don’t know what will happen. All I know is there are quite a few clubs interested.
“Regarding my future, I can’t say anything because I don’t know. Ligue 1? When I was at Toulouse I didn’t get to play a lot, but what is certain is that it’s an attractive league”.
As you can see, Lukebakio isn’t in the business of closing doors, especially if it means he gets to play in the Champions League with Lille next year.
As for Watford in all this, we’ll have to wait and see what Javi Gracia makes of the youngster’s season with Dusseldorf and if he plans on trying to use him in the Premier League next year.
It’s either that or the Hornets will try and cash in as quickly as possible, fully aware the 21-year-old might not repeat his 14 goals and five assists in 34 appearances next season if he’s sent out on loan again.
