Everton splash out record fee for Romelu Lukaku
Belgium striker signs five-year deal after scoring 16 times in 33 appearances while on loan at Goodison Park last season
Everton broke their club transfer record on Wednesday when they paid 28 million pounds (35.4 million euros) to sign Belgium striker Romelu Lukaku on a five-year deal from Premier League rivals Chelsea.
Lukaku finished as Everton’s top scorer last season after finding the net 16 times in 33 appearances while on loan at Goodison Park, helping Roberto Martinez’s side to a fifth-place finish in the Premier League.
We know Romelu is still a young man and the potential he has is quite unique
The 21-year-old played for Belgium at the World Cup, but his chances of establishing himself at Chelsea were hindered by the arrival of Diego Costa from Atletico Madrid and the return of veteran striker Didier Drogba.
“I am really excited about rejoining Everton. I had a fantastic experience last season and a great relationship with the manager, the chairman, the staff, the players and the fans. I can’t wait to get started again and I’m looking forward to a successful season,” said Lukaku.
“This is the place where I belong. I had lots of options but I wanted to stay in the Premier League and I decided very quickly that I wanted to come back here. I’m 21 years of age and this is a good step for me. I need to play at a high level and in a good team.
“Last year was a very good year and I had a feeling this was the best place to grow as a young man and a footballer, so I’m very pleased to be here again and to help my teammates to reach the heights.”
