Romelu Lukaku is currently the hottest topic of discussion in the football world as multiple outlets report the Everton striker is headed to Manchester United. Numerous publications claim a deal being reached between the two clubs for a £75 million transfer fee.
The BBC cites “senior club sources” at United while also maintaining that “Everton sources say no deal or agreement has been reached” at the same time. ESPN FC writes that “sources close to the Old Trafford club” claim a deal being struck “although an Everton source has insisted no deal is in place.”
Meanwhile The Guardian also writes that United say the deal is on, but Everton have yet to confirm. Their article also says that Chelsea do not believe they are out of the running, and still intend to bid for the forward, but United’s confidence in this transaction going through is so strong that they believe Lukaku will soon be joining them on their summer preseason tour in the United States.
The Guardian claims: “sources have indicated the player, who is currently on holiday in Los Angeles, could be signed in time to join up with his new team-mates as they continue their pre-season in the United States.”
Lukaku has been linked to United in the past couple summer transfer windows and he’s publicly spoken up about the stories linking him to both United and Chelsea, airing his grievances with those narratives.
If and when this goes through it would set a new sale amount record for Everton, and also become the second highest purchase by United. Romelu Lukaku to Man United for £75 million would also be the fourth most expensive transfer deal in world history.
The only three higher are Paul Pogba returning to Man United last summer for £89.3 million, Gareth Bale going from Tottenham Hotspur to Real Madrid for £86 million in 2013 and Cristiano Ronaldo from United to Real in 2009 for £80 million. This transaction also checks off a ton of boxes for United.
First it gives them the Zlatan Ibrahimovic replacement that they desperately need. It also thwarts their Premier League rivals Chelsea, who have been heavily linked to the Belgian this summer. It has been widely reported that the Blues were extremely interested in bringing back their former player.
Finally, it would ensure that United drop their pursuit of Real Madrid striker Alvaro Morata, an exercise that was growing tedious due to the impasse between the two sides.
If this deal is indeed on, like it appears that it is, Ed Woodward and Jose Mourinho look like brilliant tacticians here; because they accomplished several goals in just one transaction.
Paul M. Banks runs The Sports Bank.net and TheBank.News, partnered with FOX Sports Engage Network and News Now. Banks, a former writer for the Washington Times, NBC Chicago.com and Chicago Tribune.com, currently contributes to WGN CLTV and KOZN.
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