Lukaku of Roma silences Italian legend, hinting at possible Chelsea comeback

Romelu Lukaku has scored 21 goals in 46 games for Roma this season, proving critics wrong. Despite his success, he is expected to return to Chelsea after his loan spell.

Chirag

May 20, 2024

Lukaku's Future Plans — Giuseppe Maffia/NurPhoto via Getty Images

Romelu Lukaku has defied his critics this season by netting 21 goals in 46 matches, but despite his success, a return to Chelsea seems probable after his loan stint in the capital.

Lukaku played a pivotal role in Roma’s crucial victory over Genoa on Sunday, scoring a goal that secured a sixth-place finish in Serie A for the Giallorossi and kept their Champions League aspirations alive.

Before kick-off, Lukaku faced criticism from Italy and Juventus legend Andrea Barzagli, who expressed disappointment with the Belgian’s impact at Roma.

The striker, on loan from Chelsea since last summer, has amassed 21 goals in 46 appearances across all competitions this season.

While Roma lacks an option to buy, securing Lukaku permanently from Chelsea would be financially challenging, particularly without the Growth Decree, which the Italian Government revoked in January.

According to reports from Gazzetta, Roma paid approximately €17m for Lukaku’s one-season loan, which includes a €5.8m fee to Chelsea and the player’s €7.5m annual salary, totaling around €11m gross.

Gazzetta suggests that Lukaku is poised to return to Chelsea due not only to the high transfer fee of around €42m but also because his performances, despite the impressive goal tally, have left room for doubt.

Journalist Andrea Pugliese points out Lukaku’s underwhelming displays in several key Serie A matches this season, coupled with his age of 31, leading Roma to likely refrain from pursuing a permanent deal, thus signaling the striker’s probable return to Stamford Bridge next month.