Frank Lampard had some wonderful foresight when he suggested four years ago that Romelu Lukaku moving back to Chelsea wouldn’t be the worst idea.
At that time, Lukaku was excelling with Everton, having been sold by the Blues three years earlier.
Meanwhile, Chelsea was on the brink of losing Diego Costa after Antonio Conte admitted he didn’t want him in his squad for the following season.
Lampard was asked by Sky Sports about how his beloved club could go about replacing the Spanish striker, with one of the options being Lukaku.
The former Chelsea manager and midfielder said: “I know Romelu from playing alongside him, it was early on in his career and he probably didn’t get the chances in his first spell at the club.
“He’s certainly developed to a huge degree since he left the club, Romelu would certainly be a good option.
“In terms of an all-round striker, he’s proven to have scored goals at Everton, but there are others.”
Nothing materialised at the time, with Lukaku moving instead to Manchester United and then Inter Milan, where he currently resides.
Fast track to present day, and Lampard’s statement may have even more poignancy than before.
Eurosport reported that Chelsea were lining up the Belgian international if they failed to sign Erling Haaland.
Haaland is the Blues and Manchester City’s top transfer priority, with Lukaku now being lauded as second in reserve.
Both forwards have been in ferocious form this term, scoring a combined total of 58 goals in 65 appearances.
Either would be a brilliant option for the two Premier League giants and one that would certainly improve their squad.
Just ask Eden Hazard, who plays alongside Lukaku on the national stage with Belgium.
He praised his compatriot by saying: “With him in the team they all play better” (Corriere Della Sera).
It seems like Chelsea are going to be enjoying a busy summer. But will it be Haaland or Lukaku lighting up South West London?