Why Chelsea should LOVE Lukaku's Saudi Pro League comments

James Shearman

• Updated: 25 Jan 2024 18:13 GMT
• 3 min read

Chelsea should be extremely happy with Romelu Lukaku's latest comments on the Saudi Pro League.

Lukaku is currently on loan at Roma, where he has scored nine goals in 18 Serie A games.

However, he is not expected to stay there next season, so The Blues will need to find another suitor. There is no chance that he returns to the west London club.

And, the good news for Chelsea is that the Saudi Pro League seems to have emerged as a realistic option.

The Belgian previously rejected a move to go there but he has since changed his tune.

"In the next two years I see this league becoming one of the best in the world, if not the best. The clubs make a lot of efforts to bring the big players here. As a result, the teams and the footballing qualities are improving significantly," he said after scoring the winner in a friendly match against Al-Shabab.

When asked by the interviewer if fans can expect to see Lukaku in Saudi Arabia again in the future, the 30-year-old winked and replied "absolutely."

Chelsea's Lukaku problem

Jose Mourinho's Roma sacking has made it more difficult for Chelsea to meet financial fair play regulations.

That's because the two clubs had reportedly agreed a £37 million deal for Romelu Lukaku, which could now be in jeopardy.

With Mourinho's sacking, Lukaku may no longer be wanted at the Stadio Olimpico.

This wouldn't be for a lack of form, as the Belgian has scored 15 times in 26 games, but for a change of ideas, potentially.

If he were to return to Chelsea, they would swiftly need to get rid of his reported £325,000-a-week wage.

And, any transfer fee received would be a huge bonus, especially if the club want to make a marquee signing like Ivan Toney or Victor Osimhen.