Stoke City manager Mark Hughes believes Manchester United’s £75million purchase of Romelu Lukaku will prove to be a bargain.
Hughes – who had two fruitful spells at Old Trafford – will host his former side to the Brittania Stadium on Saturday, with Lukaku already looking deadly at his new club.
The Belgian has scored three goals in his opening three Premier League fixtures under Jose Mourinho and banged in four goals in two games during the international break with his country.
Lukaku has become one of the most feared front men in world football after successful spells in England’s top flight with West Brom and Everton and he’s looking comfortable at the highest level.
Hughes admitted he’s a big fan of the 24-year-old – who he believes will be a big threat to his side over the weekend – and insists he will prove to be good value for money.
‘If he wasn’t fully established and had done well for one season, moved for big money then ended up on a stage like United, that would be difficult,’ said Hughes.
‘But given his standing and career path now, in terms of every year being upwards of 20-25 goals, he’s less of a risk.
That’s why they spent that money on him – because he’s the real deal.
‘Fees have escalated towards the end of the window, and Jose has mentioned himself that he’s probably a bargain if that’s possible!
‘They would see it as an opportunity to bring someone in who can lead the line for the next 5-10 years.
‘On that basis, if you spread the fee over the length of the contract – or the time he’s likely to be there – then it starts to look a fantastic deal for the club.’
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