Everton positioned for sensational Romelu Lukaku return as £19m transfer finalised
David Moyes could finally get his wish for the Everton striker that he’s been crying out for.
The Toffees are in a good spot in the Premier League, sitting in 11th place with the chance to get into the top 10 with a win over Leeds United on Monday.
Everton‘s attack has been misfiring this season, with Beto in particular being criticised for posing a lack of goal-scoring threat.
Thierno Barry has shown signs of improvement in recent weeks, but the Blues know that the Frenchman will grow in time.
Romelu Lukaku has been tipped for an Everton return, and it may not be a case of wishful thinking anymore.
Napoli may have just signed Romelu Lukaku’s replacement
Moyes would love for Lukaku to come back to Merseyside and experience the Hill Dickinson Stadium, with the Belgian yet to make an appearance for Napoli this season after injury.
Rasmus Hojilund has been scoring frequently for the Azzuri in the striker’s absence, and Napoli’s latest signing may have just cemented Lukaku’s departure.
On Saturday, Napoli announced the arrival of Giovane Nascimento from Hellas Verona in a deal worth £19million, which pushes the Everton-linked man further down the pecking order.
Lukaku’s agent has said that he won’t leave Napoli this window, but the new signing may have just flipped the script.
How Lukaku’s arrival could benefit Thierno Barry
Barry’s winning goal against Aston Villa last time out in the Premier League has changed some people’s tune on the forward.
The number nine showed great composure when he dinked the ball past Emi Martinez to grab his fourth league goal of the campaign.
Given that Moyes usually opts to play one central striker, Barry would have immediate competition from Lukaku.
| Matches (starts) | Shots | Goals | xG |
| 22 (14) | 22 | 4 | 3.60 |
But Barry has many similar attributes to those of the Belgian international, who had his early days at Goodison Park.
Lukaku could be the perfect striker for Barry to shadow, as the latter should try harness his pace like the former Everton man did by getting his shots off quickly when in front of goal.
It’s ifs, buts and maybes at this stage, but Lukaku’s Everton return has just edged closer.
Stay up to date this winter with our Everton transfer tracker. Click to see every done deal at Hill Dickinson, plus expert reaction from our team of writers.