After a string of disappointing performances at the World Cup in Brazil, what’s next for the 6 foot 3 Belgium wonder kid?
Since announcing himself on to the world stage at the tender age of 16 in May 2009, Romelu Lukaku has been the subject of much global hype.
Labelled by many as “the next Drogba,” his future promised so much after scoring 41 goals in 98 appearances for Anderlecht before his 19th birthday.
However, following his £17m move to Chelsea it could be argued that Lukaku’s progress has stalled in recent times.
Despite encouraging loan spells with both West Bromwich Albion and Everton it has been widely reported that he will be on his way out of Stanford Bridge this summer, even with their obvious problems in the goal-scoring department.
Lukaku has made no secrets about his desire to play regular first team football and with the arrival of Diego Costa and others set to arrive, his chances of securing Chelsea’s lead striking role seem to be diminishing.
With this in mind it is likely he will make a summer switch, but to who?
With Chelsea reportedly placing a £20m price tag on Lukaku’s head, he is likely to be priced out of a move to a number of potential suitors. Everton for example, where he starred last season scoring 16 goals would have to break both their record transfer fee and wage structure to bring him on board.
Popular belief was that Lukaku was a ready-made replacement at Atletico Madrid for Chelsea-bound Costa; however after the recent arrival of Croatian Mario Mandzukic in Madrid this appears less likely.
So where will the 21-year-old Belgium powerhouse be plying his trade come the start of the season?
With £75m burning a hole in the Liverpool back pocket following the sale of Suarez, Lukaku would certainly go along way to filling the 30 Premier League goal void they are now left with.
Brendan Rodgers makes no secret of his strong working relationship with Mourinho meaning this deal is certainly a possibility despite Mourinho’s previous intention of not selling his stars to league rivals.
Following the arrival of Lukaku’s former Chelsea and Belgian team-mate Kevin De Bruyne, Wolfsburg are sure to be one of the front-runners for Lukaku’s signature with them looking to add further big names to their ranks. However, the lack of Champions League football offered by the ambitious German side could deter Lukaku, who has made no secret of his desire to compete in Europe.
With other potential suitors including Juventus and Tottenham, it remains to be seen where the Belgian will start the 2014/15 season.
It is certain that at only 21 and already raking up nearly 250 appearances for club and country, with a goal ratio of 2.4 goal per game, Lukaku will be a man in demand.