Romelu Lukaku has made his intentions perfectly clear; he no longer wishes to remain a Chelsea player, according to The Telegraph. However, the next problem comes knowing that he needs to fix himself up with a club, and with most of the major European leagues soon starting their new season, he needs to act quick if he's to join a new team before a ball is kicked.
Lukaku, aged 30, is currently in his second spell at Chelsea having rejoined the club he used to play for between 2011 and 2014 again in 2021. It would be fair to say that he has struggled to make an impact at Stamford Bridge, and has had much more joy playing for Inter, whom he initially left to re-join Chelsea, only to return on loan last season.
The former Everton and Manchester United striker last played a professional match in June when turning out for his country in a 3-0 away victory over Estonia; a match where he scored two goals in the UEFA Euro 2024 Qualification clash. He already has several big clubs on his playing CV and he'll be eager to sign for another huge club to prove he deserves to play at the very highest level.
We looked towards the odds set by Bet Victor to get an idea as to where Lukaku may play his football next, assuming he does indeed find a way out of Chelsea.
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Romelu Lukaku Next Club: Juventus (Evens)
Lukaku is no stranger to playing in Serie A and the bookies believe he could be about to return there, but not for Inter, instead, one of their major rivals in the form of Juventus. There have been strong rumours over this possible switch for a little while now, but finances dictate that Juve are likely to have to raise cash through player sales before any Lukaku move could happen.
The pro's for this move again comes from the fact that he is proven in this league, and he has arguably played some of the best football of his career whilst in Italy. There is no doubt that Juventus fit the ‘big club' category that Lukaku likes, and although the club have been banned from Europe this season, they will return to the big time eventually, and Lukaku may want to play his part in that.
As reported by Tuttosport via Football Italia, Juventus have seen a loan bid for Lukaku turned down, with Chelsea wanting only a permanent fee, and have set a big price.
Romelu Lukaku Next Club: Any Saudi Arabian club (2/1)
It will perhaps come as no surprise to see Lukaku possibly mentioning with a summer switch to Saudi Arabia. Financially, this is something that shouldn't really be an issue given the seemingly endless cash resources that teams in this part of the world can raise. However, Lukaku would surely prefer to remain in Europe.
Gazzetta dello Sport have already reported that Lukaku did speak over a possible move, but decided against going any further with the transfer. If no move to Europe goes through, then he may have to backtrack on this and indeed join the other starts moving to the Professional League. 2/1 suggests there is a good chance this will happen, but bare in mind it isn't his first choice.
Romelu Lukaku Next Club: Inter (5/1)
Now wouldn't this be a turn up for the books?! Lukaku clearly loves playing for Inter and in an ideal world he would make something of a romantic return and again partner Lautaro Martínez in attack. However, the Argentinian has been less than impressed with his long-time friend, and his recent interview with Gazzetta dello Sport practically confirmed this was the case.
He knows exactly what it takes to lead the line for Inter and he certainly knows where the back of the net is whilst pulling on the famous blue and black jersey. He netted 14 times for the club last season in all competitions, but maybe financial this might be a tough deal to get through permanently. Chelsea probably don't want to loan him out again, and would surely prefer a straight sale.
Romelu Lukaku Next Club: Aston Villa (10/1)
Interestingly, Aston Villa are relatively high up in the betting to sign up Lukaku, but you just wonder would he be the type of player that Villa boss Unai Emery is really looking for right now? Ollie Watkins has been linked with a move away from Villa Park, but he is still widely expected to stay. Emery generally only plays one up front and this position isn't a priority you would think.
Villa are clearly an ambitious club and have already been very busy in the transfer market this summer. Pau Torres, Youri Tielemens and Moussa Diaby have significantly boosted the squad, and Lukaku would be another great option. You do wonder if Lukaku himself would entertain the move? A Premier League club yes, but not necessarily a title contender.
Romelu Lukaku Next Club: West Ham United (16/1)
West Ham United are the only Premier League club, at the time of writing, not to sign a new player ahead of the new season. Should they make Romelu Lukaku their first signing, then that would be quite a statement. David Moyes would no doubt love to have him on board, especially with Michail Antonio another player strongly linked with a move to Saudi Arabia (The Times).
The team could at least offer UEFA Europa League football this season, but again, you just wonder if the player himself would be open to this. Like Villa, it would be a Premier League move, but not to a team expected to challenge near the top in terms of winning domestic trophies. He would be more likely to play for Chelsea in the Premier League next season compared to Aston Villa and West Ham United.
