Romelu Lukaku has turned down Everton’s latest contract offer. Here are five possible replacements for the Belgian striker.
Everton’s star striker Romelu Lukaku turned down a huge contract offer as he looks to further his career. The big Belgian striker has been the Toffees’ talisman for the past few seasons and the club recognized this by offering him a contract rumored to be worth £140,000 a week — the most lucrative contract offered in the history of the club.
Everton obviously recognized the only way they were going to be able to keep Lukaku was by offering him mega bucks. However, the Belgium international clearly wants to reach the top of the game and understands that no matter how much money he earns, he won’t fulfill his potential at Everton. So, who can Everton bring in to fill the huge gap that Lukaku will leave when he departs in the summer? Here are five potential replacements.
5. Jermain Defoe
It’s obvious Everton will considerably cut their wage bill once their star striker leaves. This means that they could just about sign anyone who’s not being chased by the big Premier League teams or is unproven at the Premier League level. Sunderland striker Jermain Defoe could be a great signing for the Toffees.
The veteran striker almost left Sunderland in the January transfer window but instead stayed to help them fight relegation. The Black Cats don’t look like avoiding the drop and Defoe has proved in the past couple of seasons he’s more than capable of playing in the Premier League despite being 34 years old.
He would probably command a sizable wage but nothing in comparison to what was offered to Lukaku, and Everton should be able to afford any asking price Sunderland put up. Defoe wouldn’t be a long-term solution but he definitely has a couple more good seasons in him.