Lukaku Considers Saudi Transfer, Revisiting Stance After Initially Snubbing Al-Hilal Last Year
Chelsea is eager to part ways with Romelu Lukaku. Roma, falling short of Chelsea’s price tag, has made a transfer to a Saudi club a likely next step for Lukaku.
Romelu Lukaku, one year after rebuffing Al-Hilal, is now open to the idea of joining a Saudi Pro League team, as Chelsea aims to divest itself of the striker.
Chelsea brought back Lukaku for a hefty £97.5 million in 2021. Post his struggles at Stamford Bridge, he spent subsequent seasons loaned out to Inter and Roma.
In the 2023-24 season, Lukaku netted 21 goals for Roma. The Giallorossi desire to retain him but can’t afford Chelsea’s steep £37m demand.
Last year, Lukaku waved off an offer from Al-Hilal, even as numerous stars migrated from European leagues to the Saudi Pro League. He’s now reconsidering the Saudi option after discussions with Yannick Carrasco, his compatriot who recently joined Al-Shabab.
Reflecting on his initial refusal, Lukaku shared with VTM, “It toggled between ‘yes’ and ‘no’ for days. The influx to Saudi began just after I said no.”
“Yannick’s experiences there have intrigued me. He’s got everything he needs right in his complex,” Lukaku continued.
Lukaku, priming for his sixth major tournament with Belgium at Euro 2024, emphasized the need for patience as he mulls over his options.
“People speculate a lot, possibly because I’m unrepresented. But the choice is mine,” he stated. “Once I decide, it’ll make sense to everyone.”
In Euro 2024 qualifiers, Lukaku shattered records by scoring 14 goals in eight games, averaging a goal every 39 minutes from just 29 shots.
He remains Belgium’s top scorer at major tournaments, with 11 goals. However, only two were scored during the knockout stages.
