The inevitable seems to have finally happened. Despite Everton doing everything in their hand to hold on to their last season’s top scorer Romelu Lukaku, the Belgian international seems destined to move out of Goodison Park and join his former side and current Premier League Champions.
As per reports, the Blues are also willing to give Lukaku over £150,000-a-week, in wages, which is already more than what Diego Costa used to earn and double what Everton gave Lukaku last season. The Toffees had labelled the player at a whopping £80 million to fend off any kind of competitions whatsoever, hence an agreed move now is bound to fetch the club all the money in the world.
And although Ronald Koeman had a solid plan to convince the striker in staying with the Merseyside club, it goes without saying that he also had a plan B. The sudden influx of such a huge amount in their bank account is bound to pose an even bigger challenge for the club now.
Everton can either go and try to sign a world class talent, most of whom would be available for such an amount, or the club can systematically have their pick on the other targets they have been pursuing; who wouldn’t be individually potent like Lukaku, but can help the club reach to greater heights in the coming years.
Given their Europa League stature though, Everton are hardly expecting the big names across the continent to join them. And if they have learnt anything from West Ham United’s calamitous summer transfer last year, they aren’t taking that path. The other option definitely seems more lucrative and beneficial at the moment.
While Everton definitely have a strong and bountiful core of midfielders available, their attack and defence look hugely thin. While Lukaku’s replacement is a must now, the Toffees also lack options on the right flank with both Yannick Bolasie and Aaron Lennon not starting next season. Koeman would be needing versatile forwards who could be equally effective from wide areas as well as centrally.
Everton have been linked with La Liga’s Sandro Ramirez and Lazio’s Keita Balde for weeks now, both of whom have been outstanding last season. They are fighting with the likes of Ligue 1 Champion and Valencia for the Serie A forward, and with numerous top Premier League clubs for the Spaniard.
Apart from that, Koeman would be needing reinforcements for their injury-plagued back line as well. Everton have already agreed a deal with Southampton’s Cuco Martina to fill up for the long-term sidelined Seamus Coleman, while the club remain a huge admirer of Michael Keane. Although Lukaku’s selling price won’t be fetching the club all their targets, it most certainly eases up their financial strain.
