Was it a wise decision to loan out Lukaku?

They needed a big presence up front (as an upgrade on Anichebe), a proven goal-scorer, one desperate to start every game. Lukaku fits the bill in all respects. Now, Everton’s forward line has been blessed with a sudden burst of pace, a lethal shot taker, a goal poacher, and a target man to aim at – all in one package. The midfielders simply need to serve him now, rather than find a way to score themselves.

Unlike West Brom, where he faced competition from Odemwingie and Long, Everton provide Lukaku with the assurance that he is their first choice striker. This immediately puts Lukaku on a level playing field with Benteke. The competition was partly skewed in favour of Benteke before, but with similar midfields to feed them now, it is more even. It is all about the numbers now, the goals and assists, which will provide Belgium the answer.

What do Chelsea gain here? If they are serious about Lukaku playing for them in future, this move to give him further experience in the league gives an impression of stagnation. However, as mentioned earlier, it is morally correct. This explains the reason for the purchase of Eto’o. There was a method behind the decision after all, rather than just a reunion party as I was thinking earlier. While Lukaku went out on loan, a temporary fix was required. A Champions League winning striker who has consistently scored goals wherever he has played was available on the cheap – this was not a chance to pass up on.

When one looks at the larger picture, it seems Eto’o has been bought to assist Lukaku, though, on the face of it, it looks like hampering his progress. Eto’o directly takes Lukaku’s place in the squad and will rotate with Torres and Ba. This won’t hurt his international chances would it, considering he has already quit international football?

Does it make sense? Yes, it does, for Eto’o; it does, for Lukaku’ international prospects, but it doesn’t for his chances of playing for Chelsea this season.

Is the price right? A Champions League winner arrives for free and it is a chance for the club’s best young prospect to gain further experience on loan and become first-choice for his country, all for free.

Lukaku has been patient so far, and he needs to hold it for one more year. Hopefully, he understands this decision and does what he does best while wearing the blue of Everton. Hopefully, his time to do the same will come while wearing the blue of Chelsea.

Here’s wishing Lukaku good luck for his Merseyside spell and possibly for the World Cup, and hoping that it is his last loan spell. Your time will come soon.

Just to keep the debate going, do you agree this was this the ‘real’ reason for loaning Lukaku?

If it is so, Mourinho is one hard-hearted manager!