31st August, 2023
Romelu Lukaku has joined Roma from Chelsea on a season-long loan deal.
The Belgian striker had been linked with fellow Serie A giants Inter Milan and Juventus earlier this summer but will instead be reunited with Jose Mourinho — his former boss at Manchester United and Chelsea.
Lukaku, 30, spent the 2022-23 campaign on loan at Inter, making his return just a year after leaving for Chelsea in a £97.5million deal.
Having been deemed surplus to requirements on his return to Stamford Bridge, Lukaku will hope to reinvigorate his career in the Italian capital.
He endured a mixed season back at Inter last term, scoring 14 goals in all competitions but failing to nail down a regular starting spot.
The centre forward follows the likes of Mason Mount, Christian Pulisic and Kai Havertz out of the door at Chelsea as Mauricio Pochettino’s major squad overhaul continues.
However, there is no buy option clause included in the loan deal.
“Roma fans were incredible to me — I can’t wait to get started. The owners here have huge ambitions,” Lukaku said.