£28m was fair when Everton bought him. he's worth more than that now. he's also a better striker than all those you've mentioned besides Costa, and he's only going to get better.
Romelu Lukaku | United confirm deal subject to medical and personal terms
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£28m was fair when Everton bought him. he's worth more than that now. he's also a better striker than all those you've mentioned besides Costa, and he's only going to get better.
complaining about getting 6 to 7 quality seasons out of a player? what
That's your opinion, I don't think that he is better than Mandzukic and if Everton didn't overpaid for him no one would argue that he easily worth more than 28m. David Luiz is better now than he was with Chelsea but it doesn't mean that he is worth more than what PSG paid.
I'm not complaining, i'd be very happy with that. I was just pointing out that he shouldn't exactly be seen as a youngster, with 5+ years of regular pro football behind him. Some people are talking about how he has 10+ years left in him, and i disagree. I'd take him even if it was just for 4 seasons though, don't get me wrong.
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IMO, yes - and I'm saying that in terms of what our ultimate aim should be. If someone's expectation is for United to maybe compete for the league, then that target of ~20 goals per season might be reasonable. But if it's to be genuine European heavyweights, I think we should look at better options (either now, or in a couple seasons) - because these days, the elite clubs (those that regularly reach the semi-finals of the European Cup) have #9s who're scoring close to 40 goals per season, apart from being great off the ball, and in terms of technique as the fulcrum of the attack - who piece the whole thing together, and make it greater than the sum of parts. And with that in mind, €60m should fetch us someone who can potentially be the best at his position - like Suárez or Lewandowski are, and I don't quite see Lukaku emulating that (could be wrong, of course).
There is however a player currently at the club who can reach that standard in the not too distant future, and having Lukaku as the de facto #9 might jeopardize his transition from a left inside forward (his best position right now) to a devastating #9 (his best position in terms of development). Because the way football is headed, you have superclubs stacked with world class players at almost every position (unlike the past where the distribution of quality was more equitable between United, Juventus, Milan, Bayern, Madrid among others), and to keep up with said clubs (United have fallen by the wayside in recent seasons, that much is undeniable) - we should either aim for the very top bracket of players, or youngsters who can reach the level (like Martial). The process might take a couple seasons, or maybe even more - but that's what it is going to take to reinstate the club to its mid to late 2000s standard.
They didn't overpay though, the amount was more than fair especially considering the massive season he just had for them while on loan from Chelsea.
If you think we will get him for less than 40m then we're deluded at best. Id say we're better off spending some real money to strengthen midfield (especially the flanks) and defense and give Rooney, Martial, Rashford and Wilson another year.
Bayern: Lewandowski is on pace for 40+ goals this season but it would be the first time in his career, even in Dortmund's prime years a couple of years ago he didn't even come close (36 was the most).
Real: Benzema only got 30+ goals once.
City: Aguero got 30+ goals once.
PSG: Ibra did 40+ goals once a couple of seasons ago, albeit in the Ligue 1.
Of course you have to take into account the insane amount of goals Ronaldo scores when you look at Benzema's stats, but I think strikers scoring 40+ goals a season are the exception rather than the norm. I don't see anyone consistently doing it except for Messi, Ronaldo, Neymar and Suarez these days. The problem with those kind of players is that they're very rare and are often already settled at a big club which is why I don't see United buying that kind of player in the near future, unless of course you buy them very young like you did with Ronaldo.
I agree that if United wants to be an elite club in Europe again, that's the kind of player they should be aiming for (and Lukaku isn't such a player) but that counts for every top club these days. However, I don't agree that the possible hindrance of Martial's development should be a reason not to buy a quality forward (which Lukaku is, imo). If you're good enough, you're good enough - you had quality forwards across the squad as well when Ronaldo emerged as the superstar. If Martial is going to be anywhere near as good as Ronaldo (tough task, admittedly) he'll end up as a centre forward if he wants to no matter what.
Let's conclude that I don't think you should buy Lukaku if it's anywhere around £50m (and it probably will be), but there are not a lot of alternatives available this summer, imo. Especially not if you're looking for the players you mentioned in your post, regularly scoring 40 goals a season.
That's the one thing we shouldn't do. He's well past it, and there's a shit load of baggage involved with dropping him to the bench. If we can, get rid of Rooney and try to sign an elite striker. If we can't get an elite striker, sign an adequate back up to Martial for a season or 2 (i.e. our equivalent to Remy).
I really don't think Martial will score enough goals to justify not having another star striker if Rooney is sold.
There's no way we should be spending 65 million on him. He's good but not that good.
While I doubt that Rooney is as shit as philosophy made him look to be, there's no denying that he's in decline. However I would still stick to the present setup for two reasons
a- We won't be able to get rid of Rooney. Why should he leave? He's well paid and he's on a long term contract. Unless some Chinese club comes in and offer him crazy money then I doubt he would move
b- We currently have 3 of the most promising strikers in the EPL. Martial has scored 12 goals in 47 matches which isn't bad considering that we're playing with philosophy + he is usually played wide. Rashford had defied logic by scoring a looping 5 goals in 8 appearances, 3 of which came against top sides. I wonder what this guy can achieve if played in a system that actually work. Last but not least there's Wilson who may not have been lucky this season but his talent is pretty evident.
Considering this wealth of talent and that we'll probably play with a lone striker then Id rather see us buy wingers who can score goals. Wingers such as Griezmann and Mahrez will not only score goals but will attract attention from defenders creating space for our striker to score. Secondly a winger such as Griezmann can play both on the left flank and upfront. That means that if we are struggling upfront than we can always play him there and move Martial on the flanks or alternatively play Depay there.
He will easily cost £60m.
Some you are just out of touch with the reality of transfer market in 2016.
Some you are just out of touch with the reality of transfer market in 2016.
I'm not sure about what your point is, he will cost around 60m and that's not the price for a player like him.
Agree with this entirely because with Martial (who will improve), Rashford and Rooney we certainly have enough goals about us especially if we bring real game-changing players on the right flank, in the hole and a pass master/driving force of nature in midfield. Spending £60m on a not so special player like Lukaku is foolish because he is never going to score 40 goals to carry us and our young guns are more likely to overtake him in a couple of years, then what?
If Mourinho/Giggs/whoever is taking over is confident on restoring James Rodriguez in the manner that Wenger has done with Ozil then thats where we should be blowing our load, obviously after bringing in a RW like Dembele, I don't know about Sanchez but we can do with a beast in midfield. Schneiderlin was starting to find his feet but I'm sure I'm not alone in preferring a more refined passer in the deep playmaker role.
It's not my money but I think you would have a difficult time justifing a fee of 50 million pounds for Lukaku. I look at 50 million plus transfer fees for already established world class players (Lewandowski, Aguero, Suarez, etc). Anything north of 40 and I would rather bring in Ibrahimovic on a free.
The point is of worth rather than cost. I simply don't see him as worth those sort of numbers. He's a good striker but he doesnt seem to have the all round game to be one of the best, which is what you expect for 60 million.
The market has exploded even in the two years since Suarez moved.
Him, James Rodriguez, the Sanches kid......the gossip rags come up with some scary shit.
Him, James Rodriguez, the Sanches kid......the gossip rags come up with some scary shit.
The state we are in we will be linked with every
Don't want. He'd cost a bomb and will cut the game time of Martial, Rashford and Wilson considerably.
If we're looking for that top bracket player then we should rather get Ibra on short term deal. Considering his age he won't be playing all the games so youngsters will get plenty of game time and there will be no risk of stalling their development.
If we're looking for that top bracket player then we should rather get Ibra on short term deal. Considering his age he won't be playing all the games so youngsters will get plenty of game time and there will be no risk of stalling their development.
I take neither. We should bring in a winger who can play upfront if needed, someone like Griezmann. With defenses getting tighter we need to diversify and goals must come from different roles. That would give defenders plenty to worry about and will allow space for the striker to act. If we've got 100-120m to spend then lets get Griezmann and Mahrez.
I'll ease the pain for you. One of Rashford or Wilson will not make it here, regardless of if we get Lukaku or not.
This is correct.
If you lot think this new owners first statement is going to be under selling Lukaku then you have another thing coming. He won't be going for less than 65 million.
People have built this big thing about having to over pay for Spurs players when you lot discuss signing Kane but Everton easily match them in that regard, we got the same price for Fellaini as they got for Modric for gods sake. Then there is the over the top figrures we rejected for Baines and Stones recently plus the Lesscott transfer then i'm surprised at how cheap someone of you think he will be no matter how much he pushes for a move.
For what it is worth i think he will go to PSG for silly money.
You're right, I don't know where people are thinking a prolific, PL proven goalscorer is going for sub £50M, it will be around the £60M mark at least. To be honest at that price I'd rather activate Griezmann's buyout and play him off Martial.
Big audition for him on Sunday, it will be an interesting clash between him and Smalling.
Here's a big list of the players transferring between English clubs for £60m:
So not sure where that reality is exactly? Press figures? Rumor Mill? Extrapolation of Benteke fee?
Sort of player that Smalling normally has his better games against tbf.
He's 22 years old, and he cost £28 million the year before last. Since then, despite being in a shite Everton team, he's scored at least 1 in 2 (that's a guess, he might not have). He's an absolute beast. My 2nd choice behind Kane, who we're never gunna sign.
What about a front of 3: Martial - Lukaku - Griezmann
Lukaku would be cheaper and more realistic than Kane, also he is a different type of striker (compared to Martial). I'm not sure if Griezmann is realistic or not, but there are also good options like Mahrez, Dembele or Sane.
Yes, he's best up against a big physical opponent.
I know he has good stats but it's always interesting to see a rumoured transfer target in his best form at Old Trafford to see how they deliver.
I think the problem is Lukaku isn't suited to a fluid front 3, his Everton form has come with wingers and a #10 playing off him.
Kane also plays with a #10 behind him. That doesn't mean he wouldn't be effective in a front of 3.
I guess we are going to continue playing 4231, so Lukaku could fit as our main striker. But signing Zlatan for free and buying Kane in 2 years would be a good option.
I know that 433 would be your favorite formation, but what do you think of a 442?
With Martial and Ibra/Kane/Lukaku/Griezmann as strikers and signing 2 more wingers like Dembele and Mahrez to rotate with Memphis on the wings?
Lukaku, audition? For this United side? 
Alli isn't really a #10, he plays deeper as an AM, which allow Kane to drop in and get involved in play more. Lukaku is a target man that you supply.
Well Leicester are making it work and even Atleti play a version of it, but I think Lukaku needs a #10 rather than a strike partner.
Lukaku, audition? For this United side?
I know we've had a bad 3 years but it'#s still a big step up for a player from Everton, and given the fee and wagers it'll still be interesting to see how he performs at Old Trafford with the spotlight on him due to his and his pops comments during the international break.
Lukaku, audition? For this United side?
Aye biggest club in land lad.
I agree, but that doesn't really come in to play when discussing the current attack. Lukaku would probably be your best outfield player unless Bastian can regain his form.
I don't think Bastian will ever regain his form personally, I think he's in decline.
Lukaku whilst a very good player I don't think would be our best player, not whilst we have Luke Shaw & Martial anyway.
I love those two but you're basing that largely on at best a dozen games from either player this season. At this point, there should be no question Lukaku is better until Martial realizes his potential or Shaw returns and establishes himself firmly as the player he was pre-injury.
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