Following Jose Mourinho’s dismissal, Chelsea and Roma may be unable to complete the £37 million ($47 million/€43.2 million) permanent sale of Romelu Lukaku.
After moving on loan to Roma in the summer, Lukaku’s ordeal at Chelsea appeared to be coming to an end as Mourinho supposedly trusted the striker to lead his Roma team ahead. The Sun reported that the parties had also decided to formally finalize a long-term agreement in the summer of 2024. But the source has indicated that the agreement would collapse following the Portuguese manager’s firing earlier this week due to a significant decline in form this season, which has complicated Chelsea’s worries as they try to free up funds because of FFP limits.
Lukaku will have to put in a lot of effort to satisfy Daniele De Rossi, the legendary Roma player who has been appointed as the Giallorossi’s manager, if he hopes to stay with the Serie A team. Lukaku is expected to return to London following the season. If the Belgian doesn’t make an impression on De Rossi, he could return to the Premier League during the final two years of his deal with the Blues.
Despite the skepticism surrounding his summer transfer, Lukaku has scored 14 goals in 25 outings for La Lupa so far this season. Having contributed to six goals in as many games during the Europa League group stages, he had an outstanding experience.
The Belgian attacker will play his debut game under his new Italian coach on Saturday, January 20, when the Giallorossi take on a depleted Hellas Verona.