Romelu Lukaku of Internazionale during the Serie A match at Giuseppe Meazza, Milan. Picture date: 17th January 2021. Picture credit should read: Jonathan Moscrop/Sportimage PUBLICATIONxNOTxINxUK SPI-0847-0067
In what can only be described as a surprising bit of news from The Telegraph, Manchester City have identified Romelu Lukaku as a target for a squad overhaul (h/t The Sun). The Cityzens are looking for Sergio Aguero’s replacement as the Argentine is out of contract in less than six months time.
Lukaku, who once played for City’s neighbours, Manchester United are said to be among names such as Erling Haaland, Darwin Nunez and others who could be brought in by the Etihad outfit. They are keen on a defensive midfielder as well as a left-back.
It is probably hard to describe what Aguero is to City given his impact since signing for the club. From scoring the most important goal in the club’s history which won them their first-ever Premier League to becoming the record scorer for the club, he is an absolute legend at the Etihad.
However, as time is passing, Aguero’s age is slowly catching up to him and it is visible from the injuries he has been suffering. He has missed 48 games in the last 4 seasons. Clearly, another experienced striker is a huge requirement at this stage.
Sergio Aguero is slowly entering the twilight years of his career and whether or not City like it, they will have to replace him eventually. The sooner they do it the better it is because his injuries are becoming more frequent and Gabriel Jesus is the only other centre-forward in the side.
Manchester City are one of Europe’s most elite teams managed by an elite level manager. Pep Guardiola has transformed this City side into one of the most perfectly functioning teams in Europe with his methods and tactics. Not a lot of players can cut it under the Catalan given his attention to detail on everything.
The forwards he has at his disposal are well suited to his style of coaching. Sergio Aguero and Gabriel Jesus aren’t traditional forwards. They can drift to the wings, drop into midfield and bring other players into play as well.
Romelu Lukaku, on the other hand, is more of a traditional centre-forward. He thrives on continuous service and finishes off his chances. Safe to say, he needs more attributes if he is to flourish under Guardiola.
The 27-year-old Belgian is by no means a bad player. He was quite prolific during his spells in England and now Italy. It’s just that Lukaku is a bit of a one dimensional player and might have a hard time adjusting to City’s fluid approach to attack.