Forget it Guardiola – Why this 27-year-old Belgian star may not be the right fit for Man City

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Why Romelu Lukaku may not be a good fit for Manchester City

In what can only be described as a surprising bit of news from The Telegraph, Manchester City have identified Romelu Lukaku as a target for a squad overhaul (h/t The Sun). The Cityzens are looking for Sergio Aguero’s replacement as the Argentine is out of contract in less than six months time.

Lukaku, who once played for City’s neighbours, Manchester United are said to be among names such as Erling Haaland, Darwin Nunez and others who could be brought in by the Etihad outfit. They are keen on a defensive midfielder as well as a left-back.

Manchester City need contingency plans for Aguero’s probable departure

It is probably hard to describe what Aguero is to City given his impact since signing for the club. From scoring the most important goal in the club’s history which won them their first-ever Premier League to becoming the record scorer for the club, he is an absolute legend at the Etihad.

Romelu Lukaku has been in sensational form for Inter Milan this season (Getty Images)
Romelu Lukaku has been in sensational form for Inter Milan this season (Getty Images)

However, as time is passing, Aguero’s age is slowly catching up to him and it is visible from the injuries he has been suffering. He has missed 48 games in the last 4 seasons. Clearly, another experienced striker is a huge requirement at this stage.

Sergio Aguero is slowly entering the twilight years of his career and whether or not City like it, they will have to replace him eventually. The sooner they do it the better it is because his injuries are becoming more frequent and Gabriel Jesus is the only other centre-forward in the side.

Lukaku may not be a good fit for City and Guardiola

Manchester City are one of Europe’s most elite teams managed by an elite level manager. Pep Guardiola has transformed this City side into one of the most perfectly functioning teams in Europe with his methods and tactics. Not a lot of players can cut it under the Catalan given his attention to detail on everything.

Romelu Lukaku (L) has helped Inter Milan reach the Europa League finals this season (Getty Images)
Romelu Lukaku (L) has helped Inter Milan reach the Europa League finals this season (Getty Images)

The forwards he has at his disposal are well suited to his style of coaching. Sergio Aguero and Gabriel Jesus aren’t traditional forwards. They can drift to the wings, drop into midfield and bring other players into play as well.

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Romelu Lukaku, on the other hand, is more of a traditional centre-forward. He thrives on continuous service and finishes off his chances. Safe to say, he needs more attributes if he is to flourish under Guardiola.

The 27-year-old Belgian is by no means a bad player. He was quite prolific during his spells in England and now Italy. It’s just that Lukaku is a bit of a one dimensional player and might have a hard time adjusting to City’s fluid approach to attack.