Belgian international footballer Romelu Lukaku is reportedly being pursued by Al-Hilal, a Saudi Pro League club, with a lucrative two-year contract offer. The deal, valued at £43 million, could see Lukaku become the latest high-profile player to join the Saudi Pro League, following in the footsteps of Cristiano Ronaldo’s move to Al-Nassr from Manchester United in December.
Lukaku’s current loan spell at Inter Milan is set to end, and he is expected to return to Chelsea despite expressing his desire to remain with the Italian club. The striker, who joined Chelsea for a record fee of £98 million in August 2021, had a controversial departure from Stamford Bridge last summer after stating his intention to leave within six months of joining.
In a recent meeting in Saudi Arabia, Lukaku discussed the proposal with representatives from Al-Hilal. However, it is believed that the striker would only consider leaving European football for a more financially lucrative deal.
Chelsea is open to letting Lukaku go but is seeking a transfer fee of at least £43 million, which is less than half of what they initially paid for him two seasons ago. Al-Hilal, on the other hand, is expected to negotiate with Chelsea chairman Todd Boehy to lower the asking price, as they are hesitant to meet the Blues’ demands.
After a disappointing season in which Chelsea finished 12th in the Premier League and failed to secure European qualification, the club’s management is planning to restructure the team for the upcoming season. Lukaku’s potential departure could be part of this rebuilding process.
The Saudi Pro League has been attracting European players with its significant financial incentives. Cristiano Ronaldo’s move to Al-Nassr earlier this year, signing a lucrative contract worth £173 million annually, opened the door for other European athletes to consider playing in Saudi Arabia.
Romelu Lukaku has received a tempting two-year contract offer from Al-Hilal, a Saudi Pro League club. While Lukaku is expected to return to Chelsea, Al-Hilal’s proposal provides a lucrative alternative. Chelsea is willing to negotiate Lukaku’s departure, seeking a transfer fee of at least £43 million. Lukaku’s potential move would further enhance the growing trend of European players joining the Saudi Pro League, following in the footsteps of Cristiano Ronaldo’s high-profile transfer.