In a recent interview with Give Me Sport, journalist Pete O’Rourke offered an update on the future of Chelsea striker Romelu Lukaku. O’Rourke said,
“This summer, Lukaku’s future is going to be up in the air, and I think Thomas Tuchel, if he got the right offer, I think he would seriously consider letting Lukaku move on if it allowed him to bring in other forward reinforcements.”
Lukaku’s Poor Season In The English Capital
Lukaku had to endure a difficult campaign at West London as he struggled to perform at a high level as the focal point of Thomas Tuchel’s attack. The 29-year-old has banged in 15 goals and grabbed two assists in 44 matches for the Blues this season across all fronts.
The Belgian international has struggled to catch the eye based on his average of 1.7 shots, 0.9 key passes and 0.5 dribbles per 90 minutes in the Premier League. He has also been sloppy with his link-up play in the final third, as evidenced by his pass completion rate of 72.9% in top-flight football (stats via whoscored).
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Should Chelsea Boss Thomas Tuchel Cut Lukaku Loose This Summer?
Lukaku can use his strength to cause a few problems for the opposition centre-backs. He can strike the ball with power and is proficient at making some clever turns with his back to goal. The Belgian international can be a tidy finisher in the final third but things have just not fallen in place for him on his return to Stamford Bridge. Plus, Lukaku has to find a way to improve his link-up play if he wants to be more effective up top.
Hence, Chelsea head coach Thomas Tuchel would be better off cutting Lukaku loose and using the money generated from his sale to bring in a suitable replacement this summer.
The Belgian powerhouse doesn’t have the best relationship with Tuchel following his off-the-field remarks about his love for Inter Milan in the middle of the last campaign. Thus, both the player and the West London club would benefit from parting ways with each other in this off-season.
