Agent of Chelsea star Romelu Lukaku blames Saudi Pro League for hampering striker’s summer exit
The agent of Romelu Lukaku has criticised the Saudi Pro League for making the striker’s move from Chelsea to a European club laborious in the summer window. The Belgian, who joined AS Roma on a season-long loan deal, had interest from Saudi clubs, but the striker had his mind set on playing in Europe.
The Blues were hoping to get rid of the striker for good, but a dearth of interest from the club saw him join the former Chelsea manager Jose Mourinho at the Stadio Olimpico on a season long loan.
Roma stepped in at the last minute to sign the striker on a temporary basis after clubs like Inter Milan and Juventus expressed interest in bringing the 30-year-old in on a long-term contract. but they never seemed like serious destinations given other complications off the field.
But the former Everton striker has blamed the Saudi League for making the Belgian centre-forward ‘s exit tough. Here is what he told Belgian outlet RTL (h/t Football.London):
“It was very difficult [for European clubs to buy Lukaku]. It was even impossible at the start of the transfer window to talk about a loan solution. The owners of Chelsea were looking for a definitive solution—a transaction, a permanent transfer. And the real change that happened this summer was the arrival of Saudi clubs on the international transfer market.”
“They have set the bar so high in terms of the transfer compensation offered to European clubs, and in this case to Chelsea, that it has become very difficult for European clubs to line up, and therefore, on the one hand, you have a club that is not opposed to a transfer.”
Chelsea were ready all summer to sell Lukaku but were seeking a permanent solution. With the Saudi clubs ready to throw obscene amounts of money at players, one cannot fault Chelsea for wanting a share of the pie. After all, why should we not seek to reach an agreement that is best for us.
Saudi clubs have established a foothold in the transfer market thanks to their financial prowess. Their salaries are tempting enough to lure away a player, with the majority of them being in their 30s. But the clubs have also signed young players, as their acquisition of Chelsea target Gabri Veiga, opens up new possibilities. It is still in it’s infancy but the Saudi Pro League could turn into a serious menace to the footballing hierarchy if left unchecked.
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Lukaku was also offered by Chelsea to Saudi clubs, but he declined the transfer since he still prefers to play in Europe. It was difficult to find a long-term club for him, but Roma came looking forward at the last minute, allowing us to part ways with him—if only for a little while.