There probably is an alternative reality where Romelu Lukaku returned to Chelsea and instantly clicked as he did for Thomas Tuchel, but instead of the slow regression to disappointment, he would maintain that early form leading the Blues to a Premier League title.
Maybe that reality could have happened five years ago when the Belgian appeared all set to sign for Chelsea under Antonio Conte from Everton before opting for Manchester United instead, a move that ended in disappointment.
Though those days of superstars turning up and resolving all your woes appear to be behind us. The days of the obvious name being given such licence to impose his will over a team at the elite level feel like an anomaly rather than the norm.
