ROMELU LUKAKU HAS signed for Everton from Chelsea in a £28million (€35m) deal.
Lukaku has signed a five-year-deal, the club announced tonight.
The Belgian striker had been heavily linked with a move to Everton, who he played for on loan last season. and earlier dropped a strong hint the he could be set to leave Chelsea with a cryptic Twitter post.
On the announcement, Lukaku said: “I am really excited about rejoining Everton. I had a fantastic experience last season and a great relationship with the manager, the chairman, the staff, the players and the fans. I can’t wait to get started again and I’m looking forward to a successful season.”
“Welcoming Romelu Lukaku back to Everton on a permanent basis is the news that all Evertonians wanted to hear,” added manager Roberto Martinez.
“We know that Romelu is still a young man and the potential that he has is quite unique, and we are desperate to see him enjoying his football and to watch him grow as footballer in the years to come.
“The arrival of Rom is more than just a signing, it’s the fruition of a lot of hard work to get the player we wanted. This is a big moment for Everton’s history and the perfect way of getting the squad ready for the start of the season.”
Lukaku has never established himself at Chelsea, and his future had been cast into further doubt this close-season following the arrival of Diego Costa and the re-signing of Didier Drogba.
Lukaku moved to Chelsea from Anderlecht in August 2011 but he has made just 10 Premier League appearances for the London club.
He was shipped out on loan to West Brom in the 2012-13 campaign and became a fans’ favourite at The Hawthorns by bagging 17 goals in 35 top-flight appearances.
A temporary switch to Goodison Park followed last term, and he found the back of the net 15 times in the Premier League.
He will wear the number 10 shirt with the Toffees this season.
