Chelsea have sealed the loan transfer of striker, Romelu Lukaku to Serie A giants AS Roma. Lukaku, whose last season saw him on loan at Inter Milan, is set to embark on a fresh chapter in his career, reuniting with manager Jose Mourinho in the historic city of Rome.
The Belgium international, who initially joined Chelsea from Inter for a staggering £97.5 million in August 2021, is expected to ink his season-long loan deal with Roma imminently. The signing follows a successful medical assessment conducted earlier this week.
The loan agreement itself carries an intriguing twist, as it comes with a variable fee, ranging between £7 million to £8 million. This sum will fluctuate based on performance-related conditions, adding an extra layer of anticipation to Lukaku’s spell in Italy.
What further distinguishes this deal is Lukaku’s willingness to accept a salary cut for the remaining three years of his Chelsea contract. Roma will shoulder the responsibility of covering his wages, emphasizing the striker’s eagerness to reignite his career in a familiar footballing environment.
Moreover, Lukaku’s contract with Roma includes a release clause, reportedly hovering around £38 million, offering both the player and the club a measure of flexibility for the future.
The road to this transfer was not without its twists and turns. Roma officials, Ryan Friedkin and Tiago Pinto, journeyed to London over the weekend for face-to-face negotiations with Chelsea. These discussions ultimately paved the way for Lukaku’s return to Italy, where he enjoyed immense success during his stint with Inter Milan.
Lukaku’s departure from Chelsea was partially rooted in his desire for more playing time, stemming from a period of diminished involvement under former head coach Thomas Tuchel. His controversial remarks in an interview about his dissatisfaction at the club marked the beginning of a shift in his career trajectory.
Several clubs expressed interest in securing Lukaku’s services, including Serie A rivals Juventus and a potential return to Inter Milan. The lure of working once more under the guidance of Jose Mourinho, coupled with the allure of Rome’s storied footballing history, ultimately swayed the player’s decision.
The move to AS Roma marks the latest chapter in Romelu Lukaku’s footballing odyssey.
- Tags: Chelsea, Mourinho, Roma, Romelu Likaku
