Lukaku hit the back of the net 10 times in 25 outings for Inter Milan last campaign.
Romelu Lukaku, Chelsea’s sidelined forward, is on the verge of securing a season-long loan move to Italian club AS Roma.
Roma will pony up an £8 million fee for the loan, and they’ll also foot the bill for the 30-year-old Belgian striker’s salary.
Initially, Inter Milan had their fingers crossed for a Lukaku reunion, especially considering he spent his last season there on loan. But those hopes were dashed after Lukaku expressed discontent with Inter’s coach, Simone Inzaghi, for benching him during the UEFA Champions League finale.
Juventus also had their eye on the prize, aiming to land Lukaku. However, squad constraints left them unable to pull off the move.
While a few i’s need dotting and t’s need crossing, the essentials for Lukaku’s Italian comeback are pretty much in the bag.
An insider connected to AS Roma’s owners, the Friedkin family—who took the reins of the club in 2020—said the move shows the ownership’s unwavering dedication to “bring the club and its fans the success they’ve been hungering for.”
This relocation will serve as a reunion for Lukaku and Jose Mourinho, the man who lured him to Manchester United over Chelsea during his 2017 switch from Everton to Old Trafford.
Lukaku boomeranged back to Chelsea from Inter Milan in August 2021 for a whopping £97.5 million, inking a five-year contract for his second run with the Blues. Despite the fanfare, he’s found it tough to carve out a niche in the first team this season and has been training separately.
In two stints with Chelsea, Lukaku has tallied 15 goals in 59 matches.
Chris Sutton, a former Chelsea frontman, weighed in on Lukaku during BBC Radio 5 Live’s Monday Night Club, saying, “When he’s in shape and at the top of his game, he’s a force to be reckoned with.” He went on to add, “He’s had a stellar career, but at the ripe age of 30, he’s got something to prove. The whole situation at Chelsea is a head-scratcher. Despite their striker woes, they seemed reluctant to bring him back into the fold, which is rather perplexing.”
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Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) about Romelu Lukaku to AS Roma
Is Romelu Lukaku leaving Chelsea for AS Roma?
Yes, Romelu Lukaku is close to securing a season-long loan move to Italian club AS Roma. The deal is nearly finalized, with an £8 million loan fee and Roma agreeing to cover the striker’s salary.
Who will cover Romelu Lukaku’s wages during the loan?
AS Roma will be responsible for covering Lukaku’s wages throughout the duration of the season-long loan.
Why is Lukaku leaving Chelsea?
Lukaku has been sidelined at Chelsea and is not part of current manager Mauricio Pochettino’s plans for the team. He has also been training separately from the first team.
Was Inter Milan interested in bringing Lukaku back?
Yes, Inter Milan had hoped for a reunion with Lukaku, especially since he spent his last season there on loan. However, the striker was unhappy that he was not started in the UEFA Champions League final by Inter’s coach, Simone Inzaghi.
What about other interested clubs like Juventus?
Juventus was indeed interested in acquiring Lukaku, but they were unable to make the necessary adjustments to their squad to facilitate the move.
Will Lukaku be reunited with any former coaches?
Yes, the move to AS Roma means Lukaku will be reunited with Jose Mourinho, the coach who initially persuaded him to join Manchester United over Chelsea back in 2017.
How many goals has Lukaku scored for Chelsea?
In two stints with Chelsea, Lukaku has scored a total of 15 goals in 59 matches.
What is the Friedkin family’s perspective on Lukaku’s transfer to Roma?
An insider connected to AS Roma’s owners, the Friedkin family, stated that the transfer demonstrates their commitment to achieving success and bringing glory to the club and its fans.
How can I keep updated on this transfer news?
You can sign up for real-time alerts in the Sport Newes Center app to ensure you’re always in the loop regarding your Premier League squad.
More about Romelu Lukaku to AS Roma
- Romelu Lukaku’s Career Stats
- AS Roma Official Announcement
- Chelsea FC Official Statement
- Serie A Transfers
- BBC Sport on Lukaku’s Status
- Jose Mourinho’s Coaching Career
- Chris Sutton’s Commentary on BBC Radio 5
- The Friedkin Group
- Sport Newes Center App
10 comments
Being Belgian, it’s hard to see Lukaku struggling. Hope he finds his mojo back in Italy. Mourinho knows how to use him.
Inter Milan must be kicking themselves right now. They couldve had him back, but nope. Team politics ruin it again.
I dunno, lukaku at 30 has to prove himself? the guy’s a machine. Chelsea’s just bad at utilizing talent.
Chelsea has a “striker crisis” but sends Lukaku away? whats the logic in that. Cmon Poch, get it together.
Man, Chelsea is just lettin’ go of Lukaku like that? Feels like they barely gave him a chance smh.
Just got an alert on Sport Newes Center app about this. Gotta say, didnt see it coming. Mind blown.
lol Mourinho collecting all his old faves. who’s next, Pogba?
£8m loan fee? seems a bit cheap for a player of Lukaku’s calibre. Chelsea’s loss is Roma’s gain, i guess.
Feels like a movie plot. From hero to zero and back to hero? Lukaku’s career is full of ups and downs man, but it makes for great storytelling.
Yesss! Can’t wait to see him tear it up in Serie A again. Mourinho and Lukaku together is gonna be fire.