Romelu Lukaku is open to a move to the Middle East this summer after turning down an opportunity to join a Saudi Pro League club last year.
Romelu Lukaku is all set to return to his parent club Chelsea after a successful loan spell at AS Roma. But, he has no future at the West London club, and they are ready to sanction his departure for around £37 million.
The Blues forked out a significant fee to re-sign him in the summer of 2021 on the back of exceptional performances for Inter Milan. But, the move did not go according to plan and he has spent the last two seasons out on loan. He contributed towards 25 goals in the 2023/24 season, and there is no shortage of interest in him.
Lukaku to move to the Saudi Pro League?
The 31-year-old had the opportunity to join the Saudi Pro League last summer. But, he turned it down as he wasn’t really sure about the level of the league. However, a lot has changed since and during an interview with Belgian broadcaster VTM, Lukaku has opened the doors to Saudi.
The Chelsea forward said on VTM via The Telegraph, “Saudi Arabia wouldn’t stop me. The level will only increase, to a much higher level than many people think. More and more football players will tend to play there. Also because of how the fans there experience football. The infrastructure still needs to be improved, but all major European top clubs know, ‘Saudi Arabia is coming’. You already see that in boxing, golf, Formula 1…”
Lukaku is on the wishlist of Napoli and AC Milan, and Jose Mourinho is also interested in a reunion at Fenerbahce. But, the player seems ready for a move to the Middle East. The Saudi Pro League have already signed a lot of quality players and will look to add more in the upcoming window.
Lukaku was on their radar last summer as Al-Hilal did knock on his door but the Belgian star wasn’t sure about the move at that time.
While talking about it, he added: “That was really intense at the time. For two weeks. For two days in a row I thought, ‘Yes, I’m going’, ‘No, I’m not going’.”
The Middle East club pushed hard for his services but Lukaku had doubts regarding the level and circumstances in Saudi Arabia. After he turned down the opportunity multiple players ended up making the move to Saudi which seems to have changed his mind.
While the former Inter Milan star has opened the door to the Middle East, he has the opportunity to join Antonio Conte at Napoli with Victor Osihmen’s future uncertain. Paulo Fonseca wants him at AC Milan to replace Olivier Giroud, who has left the club. He could also choose to reunite with Mourinho in Turkey. But, none of the clubs will be able to match the offers that Saudi clubs can put forward.
