With the Saudi Pro League Rife with Interest in Romelu Lukaku’s Signature this Summer, the Belgian Has Expressed his Openness to the Move
Belgian record scorer Romelu Lukaku has expressed his keenness for a move to the Saudi Pro League. This was a U-turn for the former Manchester United and Inter Milan striker from last summer when he hesitated to move when there was strong interest from the Middle Eastern country.
Speaking to HLN, Lukaku was asked why he hesitated last summer. He said, “Because everyone only went to Saudi Arabia after I could sign there, I was scared for a while. [Now] Saudi Arabia would not stop me. The level there will only rise to a much higher level than many people think. More and more footballers will tend to play there.”
The former Inter Milan and Manchester United striker went on to say, “Also because of how the fans there experience football. The infrastructure still needs to improve, but all the big top European clubs know: ‘Saudi Arabia is coming.’ You already see that in boxing, golf, Formula 1.”
With the conversation focusing on the possibility of a summer move, Lukaku said, “A lot of people like to talk, maybe because I don’t have an agent. But I’m going to decide. I control my situation myself.”
Lukaku addressed the criticisms about the desire to move from Chelsea instead of staying and fighting for a place on the starting 11, “I am going to make a choice, and once I will explain it, everyone is going to agree with me. Look, every time I decided to stay or leave somewhere, it turned out to be the right choice because of certain factors — for example my rapport with the coach,” Lukaku said. “It’s like a relationship with a woman. If it doesn’t click anymore, why stay together?”
The noises from Lukaku’s camp and the man himself show that he will be keen to make the move. Coming at a time when the Saudi Pro League looks to step up its project, chances are high that the Belgian will be plying his trade in the Middle East come the start of next season. The only question is, which Saudi Pro League side will be the first to secure his signature?
