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Romelu Lukaku makes audacious prediction about the Saudi Pro League after turning down offer last year

Home> Football> Transfer News

Published 14:05 25 Jan 2024 GMT

Romelu Lukaku makes audacious prediction about the Saudi Pro League after turning down offer last year

Romelu Lukaku has heaped praise on the Saudi Pro League.

Jack Kenmare

Jack Kenmare

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Romelu Lukaku has flirted with the idea of joining Cristiano Ronaldo and Neymar in the Saudi Pro League, saying he can see the SPL becoming "one of the best in the world, if not the best".

The 30-year-old striker, who is currently on a season-long loan at Serie A side AS Roma from Chelsea, has been linked with a move to the Middle East for some time.

In fact, he is said to have turned down an eye-watering £45 million-per-year offer from Saudi Pro League side Al Hilal last summer.

But the Belgium international decided against joining former teammates Kalidou Koulibaly and N'Golo Kante in Saudi Arabia as he 'only wanted to leave Chelsea for Inter Milan', according to GOAL.

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Now, a year later, Lukaku has appeared to change his mind over a potential move during an interview with Belgian outlet HLN.

Speaking after Roma's 2-1 win over Al Shabab on Wednesday, he said: "In the next two years I see this league becoming one of the best in the world, if not the best.

"The clubs make a lot of efforts to bring the 'big' players here. As a result, the teams and the footballing qualities are improving significantly.”

Lukaku was also asked if he sees himself playing in the Saudi Pro League one day. "Absolutely," he replied.

Back in June, he reportedly travelled to Saudi Arabia to hold talks with Al Hilal as his future at Chelsea remained in the balance.

According to GOAL, the Chelsea striker spoke to Al Hilal officials and was keen to 'squeeze an even larger salary out of the club'.

Chelsea were said to be open to a sale but he moved to Rome on a straight loan deal with a fee worth of around £7m million based on performance-related conditions.

Roma also agreed to cover Lukaku's wages after he agreed to a salary cut at the Blues.

Featured Image Credit: Getty Images

Topics: Romelu Lukaku, Saudi Arabia, Saudi Pro League, Transfers, AS Roma, Chelsea

Jack Kenmare
Jack Kenmare

Jack Kenmare is the Senior Journalist for SPORTbible, one of the world’s biggest social publishers. He specialises in long-form feature writing and has an encyclopedic knowledge of Football Manager wonderkids from 2005 to the present day. He has a BA (Hons) in Journalism and News Practice.

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@jackkenmare_

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