Lukaku’s Potential Transfer U-turn: Chelsea’s Striker May Depart Permanently
Romelu Lukaku, the 30-year-old striker currently on loan at Roma, has reportedly made a dramatic transfer U-turn that could see him finally leave Chelsea on a permanent deal. This comes after Lukaku’s unsuccessful second spell at Stamford Bridge and failed moves to Inter Milan and Juventus. The misfit striker had rejected a lucrative offer from a team in Saudi Arabia, worth £42 million per year, insisting that he still has what it takes to perform at the highest level in Europe.
Lukaku’s decision to turn down the move to Saudi Arabia shows his determination to leave Chelsea permanently. However, finding another European club willing to cover his wages has proven to be challenging, despite taking a pay cut from £350,000-a-week to around £200,000-a-week with a new deal last summer. Lukaku has demonstrated his goal-scoring abilities during his loan spell at Roma, scoring 10 goals in 25 league outings.
According to Goal, Lukaku has now changed his mind about a potential move to Saudi Arabia this summer. If an offer from a Saudi side does come in, Lukaku will strongly consider it as a means to exit London for good. When asked about his future after Belgium’s 2-2 draw with England at Wembley, Lukaku cryptically responded, “You’ll have to ask Chelsea.”
Chelsea has already set a price for Lukaku, including a £37 million release clause in his contract last summer. The Belgian striker was hailed as Chelsea’s savior when he returned in a £100 million transfer from Inter Milan in 2021. However, Lukaku’s first stint at Stamford Bridge between 2011 and 2014 saw him fail to score in 15 appearances.
After a successful period at Inter Milan, where he netted 64 times in 95 games and helped the club secure their first league title in 11 years, Lukaku’s second spell at Chelsea started brightly. However, he soon launched a bizarre attack on then-manager Thomas Tuchel and the club, expressing his dissatisfaction with the tactics and his desire to rejoin Inter Milan.
Lukaku’s performance dipped thereafter, managing just eight league goals in the season. As a result, he was granted his wish for a loan back to Inter Milan but struggled with fitness and only scored 10 Serie A goals. Unable to secure a permanent switch or a second loan, Roma took the opportunity to sign Lukaku last summer.
Lukaku’s career statistics showcase his goal-scoring prowess throughout different clubs. From Anderlecht to Everton, Manchester United, and Inter Milan, Lukaku has consistently found the back of the net. His trophy cabinet includes the Belgian Pro League title with Anderlecht, Serie A, Italian Cup, and Italian Super Cup titles with Inter Milan, and the Club World Cup with Chelsea.
As Lukaku navigates his potential transfer U-turn, it remains to be seen where he will ultimately end up. The striker’s desire to leave Chelsea permanently is clear, and if a suitable offer comes from a Saudi side, he may finally bid farewell to London.