Romelu Lukaku has jetted into Saudi Arabia to hold talks over a shock transfer move to join Cristiano Ronaldo 's rivals, Al-Hilal.
The Chelsea striker could become the next European star to head to the Gulf state, with players like Ronaldo, Karim Benzema and N'Golo Kante in the process of paving the way. Lukaku, 30, spent last season on loan at Inter Milan - who recently made their desire to keep him on a permanent basis clear - but it seems that the Belgium international is eyeing up a much more lucrative move just days after his nightmare performance for Inter in the Champions League final, as they lost 1-0 to Manchester City in Istanbul.
According to Foot Mercato, Lukaku flew to Saudi Arabia on Monday and discussed a mega two-year contract worth €25million (£21.5m) per season with Al-Hilal, who are based in the Saudi capital of Riyadh like Ronaldo's Al-Nassr. A transfer would see the 30-year-old once again compete with ex-rival Ronaldo, who he's previously played against in both the Premier League and Serie A.
Just after Lukaku ended his first spell with Inter to sign for Chelsea in a £97.5m deal in August 2021, he snapped back at a reporter after being compared with Ronaldo, who'd meanwhile just secured a sensational return to England with Manchester United. "Don't ever compare me to Cristiano Ronaldo, never," the Belgian declared.
"Cristiano Ronaldo is, for me, in the top three best players in the history of football. I'm not going to rank him from first to third but he's in there. What he has achieved in football today for players of my generation is something exceptional."
Lukaku clearly looks up to the five-time Ballon d'Or winner, who's 38 and winding down his incredible career. However, the ex-Inter loanee won't be joining him in Saudi Arabia unless Al-Hilal up their offer.
It's explained that Lukaku wants even more than an eye-watering total of £43m for two years in the Middle East. There's also the issue of Al-Hilal agreeing a fee with Chelsea, who have their former club-record signing tied down until 2026 on a mammoth £325,000-a-week contract.
The Blues are said to want at least £40m in order to part ways, leaving Al-Hilal to mull over making an improved proposal. Inter are waiting in the wings, though, as president Steven Zhang is keen to broker a deal, despite his club's precarious financial predicament.
"He loves Inter, that's very clear," Zhang stated after Saturday's Champions League final. "He's an amazing guy. But the guy has a contract with Chelsea, so we have to wait to talk to them to understand."
Have your say! Should Romelu Lukaku move to Al-Hilal? Join the debate in the comments section.
One thing's for sure, the Saudi Pro League is ready for lift-off, having enticed Ronaldo in December. The 38-year-old forward has already predicted that the division could soon be among the world's elite, telling SPL. "In my opinion if they continue to do the work that they want to do here, for the next five years, I think the Saudi league can be a top-five league in the world."
Ronaldo went on to say: "I will be part of your world, your culture, I will be here, I hope I make the people enjoy through my games, my performance, and to win things, but again, thank you for welcoming me, and I will try to give my best during the time that I will be here."
Will Lukaku, though?
