Romelu Lukaku’s mind made up? Chelsea flop claims Saudi Pro League can become ‘the best in the world’ as he prepares for life after Roma loan

Despite scoring 15 goals in 26 games for Roma so far, the Belgian international has been linked with a move to the Saudi Pro League. The 30-year-old, who has fallen out of favour at Chelsea, has opened to the door to a move there and even went as far as saying the division can be unrivalled to others across the planet in the not so distant future.

After scoring the winner in a friendly match against Saudi side Al-Shabab, Lukaku admitted: “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."

When asked if fans can expect to see the former Manchester United forward in Saudi Arabia again, he winked and replied: "Absolutely".

Things have not quite gone to plan since Lukaku's £97.5 million ($122m) move from Inter Milan to Chelsea in 2021. His stock has fallen after failing to impress at Stamford Bridge and his loan spell at Inter last season was not as successful as his first stint with the Italian giants. If the ex-Everton man, whose contract at the west London team expires in 2026, were to move to Saudi, it would, arguably, be a signal that his career at the top of the game is over.

Lukaku is on a season-long loan at Roma so it is unlikely he will join a Saudi side while the January transfer window is open. However, when he returns to the Blues in the summer, a move could be in the offing, especially as Chelsea try to balance the books with financial fair play.