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Football fans have witnessed a bunch of record-breaking and shocking transfers taking place this season. Romelu Lukaku's recent move to Chelsea certainly comes under the latter.
Despite spending two scintillating, goal-laden seasons topped by winning the Scudetto, Lukaku chose to leave behind Inter Milan and join his former team — Chelsea. Nerazzurri fans are disappointed to see their star striker leave and the rumors linking Lautaro Martinez to Tottenham Hotspur further adds to their misery.
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As for Romelu Lukaku, it won't be a piece of cake for him to simply walk in at Stamford Bridge and shine the way he did at Inter Milan. Lukaku has had prior experience with the Londoners and in the Premier League itself. However, he will have to walk through a few rites of passage before the crowd starts chanting his name.
The huge price tag means huge pressure and massive expectations from the club and the fans. Additionally, the high-profile move means the media will constantly focus on and scrutinize the former Inter Milan striker.
On that note, here is a look at
5 reasons why Romelu Lukaku will struggle at Chelsea
#5 Competition within the squad
Romelu Lukaku has joined a team that possesses massive squad depth. Especially when it comes to attacking options. The same wasn't the case at Inter Milan, where Lukaku enjoyed a duopoly alongside Lautaro Martinez.
To name a few — Christian Pulisic, Timo Werner, Kai Havertz, Mason Mount and Hakim Ziyech — remain a constant threat to Lukaku. The fact that most of these players are in their early 20s gives them an edge over the Belgian who is approaching his 30s.
Fans are excited to see what Thomas Tuchel brings out of the drawing board and how it could affect Lukaku's fate.
#4 Tougher league than what he's recently accustomed to
Foreigners often struggle with their form in the Premier League. Courtesy, differences in football culture. English football is often fast-paced and highly demanding. The box-to-box and rapid style of play is certain to make any newcomer fatigued and confused on the pitch.
Even though Lukaku has had prior experience in the Premier League, he hasn't quite announced himself the way he did in just two seasons in Serie A. Barring Everton, the Belgian number 9 has had a below-par career in the Premier League.
His return puts him under massive pressure as a lot has changed in the past couple of years within England's top-flight football. Can Lukaku pick up on his current form or will he perish? Guess we will know soon.
#3 New team, manager and tactics
As we discussed earlier, Romelu Lukaku's job won't be as easy as it was back in Italy. He has a lot to prove and before that, Lukaku will undoubtedly have to establish himself in the squad.
The former Everton man will have to go through a lot of changes and adjustments, which might also include a new playing style/role.
Furthermore, rumors suggested it was Antonio Conte's departure that triggered Lukaku's move away from San Siro. Which means, the striker wasn't comfortable playing alongside anyone but Conte, who transformed him into one of the most feared striker in the world. Now, he is under Thomas Tuchel, who himself has a massive burden on his shoulder with finding the perfect starting XI.
#2 Immense pressure from the English media
Romelu Lukaku has re-joined his former side Chelsea after almost a decade. While he left as a promising prodigy with prolonged bench-time, he returns as one of the most formidable strikers in the world.
Chelsea wouldn't have paid a club record fee of around £97.5 million if he was anything less than excellent. Naturally, the massive price tag also demands great responsibility and expectations.
Fans, teammates, the coach, media, you name it! Lukaku is certain to be in the limelight for good or bad reasons. To add to the already stated facts, him having left Chelsea with 0 goals scored in the previous stint and a bitter departure from Manchester United further adds pressure on the Belgian who will be required to prove himself.
#1 He is likely to take time to settle down
Let's face it — the harsh reality of football is not kind enough to allow players to take their own time to settle down. It is expected of them to deliver quickly!
The same is amplified if there's a huge price tag and reputation that goes with a player's name and such is the case of the man of the hour at Chelsea right now — Romelu Lukaku.
The £97.5 million price tag, competition from youngsters, return to the Premier League after a short break, etc., is expected to hinder Lukaku's adaptation at Chelsea. A few bad games would risk his place in Tuchel's good books and also put him out of fans' favor.
However, excitement continues to grow around the Belgian's form and future at Stamford Bridge. It will be no easy task for him to succeed.
