Should Romelu Lukaku return to Anderlecht in January after struggling with Fenerbahçe? | OneFootball

It’s safe to say that Romelu Lukaku’s move to Türkiye has not been a good one so far. If the rumours are true, his club, Fenerbahçe, agree. After a goalless start for Belgium’s all time record goal scorer, the club from Istanbul are apparently considering a move for Florian Balogun. Again, if true, Lukaku could then be free to move on in January, and given he only has a one year contract with Fenerbahçe, it wouldn’t cost too much to take him on.

Where next then for Lukaku if he does decide to move on? Perhaps it now finally is the time for the striker to make his long awaited return to Anderlecht. His boyhood club, where he still visits to watch games and meet with friends, has always been an option for the forward. Lukaku himself has said he would return there one day, and some thought it would be this summer with his exist from Napoli on the cards. Instead, Fenerbahçe was the destination.

Other options will likely present themselves to the forward, who is still in his early 30s. The MLS will surely be an avenue that Lukaku could explore, as there will likely be plenty of clubs in the United States happy to take on Lukaku. Given the success of other Belgian strikers such as Hugo Cuypers and Christian Benteke in the MLS, a move there would not be the worst option for the forward. The middle east, if he wants one final payday, will also be a destination he could explore.

Yet, if Lukaku wants to rediscover the love of the game, and feel the adoration of the fans, Anderlecht makes the most sense. At the age of 33, he would be returning with some petrol still left in the tank. How he would fit into this current Anderlecht side remains to be seen, given they do have plenty of options upfront. Yet, Lukaku should always have a space waiting for him. Not just for his on pitch ability, but also for what he would bring to the young players. He has been through that system, succeeded and gone on to play at the highest level and score at the highest level for the national team. He would be incredibly valuable, and at the same time, lift the mood at Anderlecht.

Vitor Bruno is slowly appearing to turn things around at the club, who entered the international break on a decent run of form. A return for the prodigal son this January could really spark things fully into life in Brussels.

Some will likely wonder now that, if Lukaku does not make Anderlecht his next club, will he ever actually return?

GBeNeFN | Ben Jackson