Romelu Lukaku has said he is open to playing in Saudi Arabia, a year after he rejected a transfer to Al Hilal.
The 31-year-old's future is uncertain once again, with sources telling ESPN that Chelsea are eager to secure a permanent move for Lukaku after agreeing to loan the striker to Inter Milan and then Roma in recent years. two seasons.
– Stream on ESPN+: LaLiga, Bundesliga, more (US)
Lukaku earns around £325,000 a week ($415,419) at Stamford Bridge and Chelsea are keen to remove that cost from their wage bill while raising funds for new signings.
The Belgium international has two years left on his Chelsea contract and the club are therefore reluctant to approve a third loan move as they look to recoup some of the £97.5m they paid to Inter Milan in 2021.
Sources told ESPN that Chelsea attempted to strike a deal for Lukaku to join Al Hilal last summer, accepting an offer only for Lukaku to later reject the proposal.
However, Lukaku now believes the Saudi Pro League is thriving following the arrival of many big stars including Cristiano Ronaldo, Neymar and Karim Benzema.
When asked why he hesitated last summer, Lukaku told HLN: “As everyone left for Saudi Arabia only after I was able to sign there, I was afraid for a while.
“[Now] Saudi Arabia wouldn't stop me. The level there will only increase, to a much higher level than many people think. More and more footballers will tend to play there.
“Also because of the way fans experience football. The infrastructure still needs to improve, but all the big European clubs know it: 'Saudi Arabia is coming'. You can already see that in boxing, golf and Formula 1.”
Speaking about the possibility of moving this summer, Lukaku continued: “A lot of people like to talk, maybe because I don't have an agent. But I'm going to decide. I control my situation myself.”
“I'm going to make a decision and once I explain it, everyone will agree with me. Look, every time I decided to stay or leave somewhere, it turned out to be the right choice due to certain factors, for example my relationship with the coach “Lukaku said. “It's like a relationship with a woman. If it doesn't fit anymore, why stay together?”
Lukaku also reiterated that he would like to finish his career in Belgium with Anderlecht, the club where he turned professional in 2006.
“It will happen,” he said. “And much earlier than many people think. I left Belgium when I was 18.”
