Duncan Disordely
Player Valuation: £35m
http://www.mirror.co.uk/sport/footb...transfer-dilemma-3181327#.UwxuS3lNqT8.twitter
Interesting take on Lukaku, which begs the question, has Lukaku been a success for us? His initial run of goals was fantastic but he's been so far off the boil up until he got injured that it's been Jelavic-esque. For me, he'd need to hit another 8-10 goals minimum between now and the end of the season to be rated a great success.
I was an advocate of splashing a tonne of cash on him earlier in the season, but now I wouldn't want to pay over £15/16 million as you're paying for potential. There are probably cheaper options out there that are ready to go now and coming into their peak, and we really need a striker who can come in and hit the ground running. But another way of looking at it is do you turn down chance to sign a player with Lukaku's undoubted potential?
And our man David Anderson thinks Swansea striker Wilfried Bony could well be the man to turn to
- 25 February 2014 10:09 AM
- By David Anderson
Frustrated: Lukaku is out of form
So, come the summer, it is assumed that Everton chairman Bill Kenwright will ring Bruce Buck or Ron Gourlay at Chelsea and make an offer for Romelu Lukaku.
Afterall, Lukaku has been such a roaring success at Everton that it makes sense to try and make his loan move permanent?
Doesn't it?
Or maybe not.
I know I'm probably in a minority of one here, but I will play devil's advocate anyway and suggest that Everton and Roberto Martinez should not try and buy Lukaku.
Yes, he was prolific when he first arrived at Everton in the autumn, but his form disappeared with the leaves from the trees.
Since November, he has scored one goal in 10 appearances.
Going Sunder: Lukaku's form has dipped in recent weeks
I know he has been out with an ankle injury - he will finally return on Saturday against West Ham - and I know Martinez says he has been happy with his contribution to the team when he has not been scoring.
But I still maintain there has been a dip in his form, which makes me question whether Everton should buy him.
Even when his fine start to his Goodison career is included, his overall tally reads nine goals in 20 games.
OK, I know I can't ignore how well he did at West Brom last season.
And, yes, he was a success at The Hawthorns, but his total of 17 goals in 38 games is still below the magic average of a goal every two games, which is the sign of a top striker.
It is interesting comparing Lukaku's record to another Chelsea reserve from last season - Daniel Sturridge.
After languishing in the wilderness at Stamford Bridge, Sturridge joined Liverpool for £12million in January 2013 and has scored 32 times in his 39 appearances for the Reds.
Sturr crazy: Liverpool striker scores again
This season he has 18 Premier League goals in 19 games and has netted in his last eight league games.
Now, that is a proper strike record and I'm not sure Lukaku is worth such a massive investment for Everton.
Chelsea bought him for £18million and could justifiably argue that his value is now well north of £20million, even if he is surplus to their requirements.
This would mean Everton having to smash their transfer record to land Lukaku and spending the lion's share of their transfer kitty on him.
Perhaps Everton would be better trying to sign Wilfried Bony from Swansea and the Ivory Coast striker has netted 19 in his 36 appearances for the Swans since arriving in the summer.
He also has nine in his last 11 since the turn of the year and gave Liverpool's defence a torrid time at Anfield yesterday.
He is strong, quick and can lead the line as a lone striker, but also tracks back.
He looks a quality striker and someone I would rather spend big on than Lukaku
Interesting take on Lukaku, which begs the question, has Lukaku been a success for us? His initial run of goals was fantastic but he's been so far off the boil up until he got injured that it's been Jelavic-esque. For me, he'd need to hit another 8-10 goals minimum between now and the end of the season to be rated a great success.
I was an advocate of splashing a tonne of cash on him earlier in the season, but now I wouldn't want to pay over £15/16 million as you're paying for potential. There are probably cheaper options out there that are ready to go now and coming into their peak, and we really need a striker who can come in and hit the ground running. But another way of looking at it is do you turn down chance to sign a player with Lukaku's undoubted potential?
