Romelu Lukaku Open To Saudi Pro League Move Following Chelsea Departure Discussions

Romelu Lukaku is considering a move to the Saudi Pro League, a year after rejecting an offer from Al-Hilal. Chelsea, who re-signed Lukaku for approximately £97.5 million in 2021, are looking to offload the striker. Lukaku has spent the last two seasons on loan at Inter Milan and Roma after struggling at Stamford Bridge.

In the 2023-24 season, Lukaku scored 21 goals for Roma. The Italian club is interested in keeping him but cannot meet Chelsea's reported £37 million asking price. Last year, Chelsea accepted an offer from Al-Hilal for Lukaku, but he declined the move. Now, he is more open to playing in Saudi Arabia after discussing the prospect with international teammate Yannick Carrasco, who joined Al-Shabab from Atletico Madrid last September.

Reflecting on his decision to turn down Al-Hilal, Lukaku told VTM: "It was really intense for two weeks. For two days in a row I thought, 'yes, I'm going', then, 'no, I'm not going'. I was scared for a moment; everyone only went there after I declined the offer. I have often spoken with Yannick about life there. He lives in a complex, but you really have everything there."

Lukaku is preparing to represent Belgium at his sixth major tournament at Euro 2024. He emphasised that patience is needed as he considers his next move. "A lot of people like to talk, maybe because I don't have an agent, but I'll decide," he added. "I'm in control of my situation. I'm going to make a choice and once I explain it, everyone will agree with me."

Lukaku scored 14 goals in just eight games during Euro 2024 qualifying, setting a record for a European Championship qualification campaign. These goals came from just 29 shots, with the 31-year-old averaging a goal every 39 minutes.

He is also Belgium's all-time leading scorer at major tournaments (World Cup and Euros), with 11 goals in 22 matches. However, only two of those goals have come in knockout games: against the United States in the round of 16 at the 2014 World Cup and versus Italy in the Euro 2020 quarter-finals.

As Lukaku weighs his options, his potential move to Saudi Arabia could mark a significant shift in his career trajectory. The striker's decision will be closely watched by fans and analysts alike.