Chelsea striker Romelu Lukaku: It's time for Thibaut Courtois to play in Premier League

Romelu Lukaku

Romelu Lukaku has given his backing to compatriot Thibaut Courtois to be a success at Chelsea next season, believing that it is ‘about time’ that he took the opportunity to display his credentials in England.

Jose Mourinho has already confirmed that Courtois will return to Chelsea ahead of next season after an impasse had reportedly been reached between the Belgian stopper and current number one Petr Cech, with neither man prepared to play second fiddle at Stamford Bridge.

Courtois has impressed in three consecutive loan spells at Atletico Madrid, winning a trophy in every single season he has spent at Vicente Calderon, and Lukaku believes that it is time for him to show his class in the Premier League now.

Lukaku told reporters, “I don’t know (about his situation at Chelsea), I only read about it. You’ll have to ask him.

“I think it’s time. He’s played at a very high level in Spain for three years. It’s time to see him in England.”

Lukaku’s own future at Chelsea has been a similar topic of debate as Jose Mourinho has made it clear he wishes to bring in at least one forward ahead of next season, with rumours suggesting a second big name could yet filter through the doors of Stamford Bridge to block his path to the first team.

While it seems increasingly likely that Courtois will return to Chelsea to play a prominent part, Lukaku’s own impressive loan spell at Everton appears not to have been enough to have convinced Mourinho and may not have a chance to shine alongside his fellow countryman, with a host of clubs keen on taking him away from the Blues.

Romelu Lukaku scored 15 goals for Everton last season, converting 20.8% of his shots on goal.