Are Everton better off without Lukaku?

Sometimes when a transfer saga gets so drawn out and protracted you move on from desperately not wanting it to happen to being relieved that it’s finally over.

That’s the way I feel at the moment with Romelu Lukaku, this has been a transfer in the making ever since he signed for Everton.
You always felt like he was never in it for the long-term and has always seen Everton as a step on to something else, and so it proved to be.

He never truly connected with the fans and his attitude on the pitch often left a lot to be desired. As a man his removal from the Everton squad can only be seen as a good thing. A dominant figure who always said the wrong things and always brought the club down at every opportunity.

READ MORE: Lukaku MUST improve to be a success at Manchester United

READ MORE: Romelu Lukaku seals £75m Manchester United deal
I’m looking forward to not having him put down the club on international duty. Having players at the club who actually want to play for Everton.

I’m looking forward to not having to watch him go through games where he looks disinterested. Having players who turn up when the team need them the most.
While there are a few reasons why I’ll be happy Lukaku is leaving, there’s one key reason that I’m not; he is a phenomenal football player.

He’s also only going to get better and the potential £90m that Manchester United will be paying for him may turn out to be a bargain. Just like the £26m that the same club paid for our best striker 13 years ago, Wayne Rooney. It’s a big loss to the playing eleven, but the hope is that with further recruitment in other areas, we can be a stronger team for it.

The Rooney effect?

That’s the way it worked with Rooney. The season he left, Everton finished 17th.

I remember feeling that without him we were certain to get relegated. Instead, we recruited well with the transfer money and instead of being relegated, we actually managed to qualify for the Champions League.

Hopefully the departure of Lukaku will have the same effect and galvanise team spirit and make us much better off for it.
Is that wishful thinking? Perhaps, but team spirit has always been a huge part of Everton often punching above their weight. I have no doubt that not having Lukaku will only improve that.

A player that never really connected with the club, and the fans never really connected with him. Everton have got a high price and both teams could come out of this transfer a lot better off. Manchester United will be getting a happy Lukaku, and Everton will be getting a happier changing room and money to make a better squad overall.
Lukaku was the best striker Everton had since the glory days of the 80s. There won’t be any Evertonians shedding a tear, however.

His ability can’t be questioned, his character definitely can be. Despite that, I wish him well. He scored a lot of goals that put a lot of smiles on Everton faces, but it was never going to last.