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Is this Southampton forward one of Everton’s top five Romelu Lukaku replacements?
With the recent announcement of Ronald Koeman as the new Everton manager, a period of rebuilding has begun for the men in blue. A key part of the Dutchman’s job will be to try and keep hold of Everton’s young stars. However, while the fate of Barkley and Stones remains unknown and in the balance, it is looking increasingly likely that Romelu Lukaku will be moving on from Goodison Park.
Talking to the Belgian media while on Euro 2016 duty, . The Belgian scored 17 goals in the Premier League alone last season, and as a result he will be sorely missed. Yet in truth, many Everton fans have come to accept his exit from Merseyside.
Lukaku is without doubt an excellent footballer, but he is not the finished article, nor as good as he might think he is. His hold-up play at times is lacking as is his first touch. The Belgium vs. Italy game in the first round of matches of Euro 2016 highlighted his weaknesses. He performed poorly and was subbed early for Merseyside counterpart, Origi.
His international experience as a whole is uninspiring, having only scored 12 goals in 45 games. This interpretation is not just sour grapes from Everton fans over potentially losing a world-class youngster. His ten-game goal drought between March and May demonstrated that he might one day become a “world class” striker, but that he is not in the present.
Everton might be wise to cash in on the reported £65 million price tag while clubs would be willing to still pay that fee. Considering this, the top five available striking options to fill the gap left behind by the departing forward have been included over the next few pages.