Romelu Lukaku is set to join forces with Jose Mourinho once again, this time at Roma, following Chelsea’s acceptance of a £5 million ($6 million) loan proposition from the Italian club. According to insights provided by The Telegraph, Roma has concurred on a payment of £5 million for the season-long loan arrangement for Lukaku. In a noteworthy gesture, the Belgian striker has agreed to a reduction in his wages. This strategic move ensures that Chelsea will not need to cover any portion of the £6 million ($8 million) salary that Lukaku is poised to earn during his stint in Rome.
In the broader context, Lukaku’s transfer trajectory had appeared to be steering toward a continuation at Chelsea for the forthcoming season. This trajectory was marked by his rejection of offers from Inter, Juventus, and Saudi Arabian side Al-Hilal. Despite Chelsea’s ardent desire to offload the 30-year-old forward, the agreement with Roma relieves the club from his wage obligations for the duration of this season.
The upcoming chapter in Lukaku’s career entails a return to Italy, where he will play under the guidance of Mourinho once more. Mourinho had previously coached Lukaku during their shared time at Manchester United. Notably, Lukaku’s initial transfer to Chelsea from Inter in 2021 bore a hefty price tag of £97.5 million ($135 million). With three years remaining on his current contract, Lukaku’s journey also involves a provision for an additional wage reduction if he were to return to Chelsea post this season.