Designing the colors of next season’s shirt on him would be complicated. Too many possible shades, too many unknowns. He is the center forward with his suitcase packed, the number 9 in the balance who continues to amaze. His name is Romelu Lukaku and his future is increasingly distant from the Capital, due to the possible redemption from Chelsea (43 million), the super salary (7.5 plus one bonus), his advancing age (30) and of the return of Tammy Abraham, now recovered. While awaiting the decisive matches in April for the Champions League, Roma do not appear to be in a position to acquire his contract, without the benefits of the Growth Decree. And he is preparing for a more probable farewell to the Belgian, with the prospect of starting again with the new reorganization of Friedkin from the Englishman and from at least one of the most followed talents in recent months: Hugo Ekitiké, 21, Frenchman from PSG, with whom the the Giallorossi club has a privileged relationship after the Paredes, Wijnaldum and Sanches operations, with Lorenzo Lucca, 23, of Udinese, on loan from Pisa.
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The sprint for the Champions League and the Europa League will constitute yet another stage on which the center forward will rise, because before leaving the club Lukaku would like to give the Roma fans, in any case, something to be remembered for. And every time he reopens his trolley around Italy and Europe, after all, Big Rom always brings out some goal or impressive shot. On Tuesday, for example, he couldn’t have chosen a better opportunity to restart with momentum, after having tamed the hip and groin injuries of recent weeks: Wembley stadium, in front of the English fans, where he played 83 minutes, he enchanted with a drill for the second goal from Tielemans and delivered a message to Chelsea. To those who asked him at the end of the match “Did he want to surprise someone after returning to England for the first time since being on loan at Roma…?”, he replied with a smile: “You should ask Chelsea…” . Already. The club that will decide his future, selling him to whoever can buy his card: together with Gallagher, Ziyech, Cucurella, Chalobah and Sterling, Romelu is one of those expendable to get as many pounds as possible into the Blues’ coffers.
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And here, if there are no twists in the Giallorossi key in the event of the Champions League (with which the club would guarantee itself 40-45 million and a greater income from sponsors and proceeds), the most probable new destination for the Belgian is the Saudi Arabia. The clubs of the Saudi Pro League, to which Chelsea sold Koulibaly and Mendy last year, could meet the English side and satisfy the needs of Big Rom. Who, after having said no to a transfer last spring, in January instead open to the Saudi championship, destined in his opinion to become “the best tournament in the world”. A Lukaku of Arabia, conquered by Riyadh, therefore. Unless another Italian club sensationally enters the hot transfer market next summer, where perhaps Antonio Conte, who is crazy about Lukaku, could sit on the bench. Variables upon variables. But if it is now certain that Big Rom and Roma will part ways, it is also true that on Monday the center forward will be ready to take back the stage in Lecce. A gladiator with suitcase in hand.
