Real Madrid Transfers: Romelu Lukaku is an option worth considering

Real Madrid have Karim Benzema and Luka Jovic, but that hasn’t stopped them from showing interest in Europe’s top strikers.

If Real Madrid sign a new forward in 2021 or 2022, then they are expected to make a move for Kylian Mbappe of PSG or Erling Haaland of Borussia Dortmund. Both players are among the best young players in the world, as no player has more overall value than Mbappe and no single player has more goal-scoring upside than Haaland.

Of course, Real already have one great striker in his prime in Karim Benzema, who has been the most well-rounded No. 9 of the last decade. He was also La Liga’s MVP in 2019-2020.

Behind Benzema, Los Blancos have the young Luka Jovic, who emerged as a huge star for Eintracht Frankfurt in 2018-2019 before making a 60 million euro move to Zinedine Zidane’s side. Jovic didn’t play a big role in Real’s first team last season, but Real shouldn’t give up on him any time soon.

That said, Mbappe and Haaland would be ideal signings for Los Blancos, especially Mbappe, who can be the primary scorer at wide forward that the club needs.

Real Madrid reportedly have interest in Romelu Lukaku

They are far from the only options Real Madrid should consider, though. Earlier this month, Le10Sport.com reported that Inter Milan striker Romelu Lukaku is among four players on the club’s radar. Real could consider signing Lukaku in the future as a replacement for Benzema, who is 32.

Benzema won’t be leaving any time soon, but he is the kind of player who would exit the club if he feels he’s no longer the best option. He loves the club too much to feel like he’s holding anyone back. That means Benzema could have a couple of more years at Real before leaving for his former club Lyon.

No matter the speculation, Lukaku is indeed a legitimate option for Real Madrid. He’s not their top option, since he isn’t as young as Mbappe or Haaland and can’t measure up to them athletically. But he should absolutely be on their radar.

Lukaku was one of Serie A’s best players in 2019-2020, showing Manchester United that they severely underestimated his ability. Always a standout for Belgium, Lukaku is an expert finisher who breathes football. He knows exactly how to time his runs, where to be in the box, and, most importantly, how to make his teammates better. If anyone can be a well-rounded striker and create for others like Benzema, then it is Lukaku.

Romelu Lukaku is ready for the best years of his career

At the age of 27, Lukaku is right in the prime of his career. And like Benzema, he has the skill-set to ensure he’ll be able to play well into his 30’s. He’s a veteran leader who is spoken highly of by everyone around him, and he’s a true student of the game.

Last season, Lukaku scored 23 goals for Inter in Serie A with seven goals in only 443 Europa League minutes. The No. 9 averaged at least 0.6 dribbles completed per game, 0.6 fouls drawn per game, and 1.3 key passes per game in all major competitions.

Lukaku is a centerpiece player for Inter, so they wouldn’t want to sell him for cheap. Transfermarkt values him at 85 million euros, making him even more expensive than Haaland’s reported release clause. But while the finances make Lukaku a backup option, if Real Madrid miss out on Haaland and Mbappe, a Lukaku/Jovic tandem would still be excellent.