June 21, (THEWILL) – Inter and Chelsea have reached a deal in principle for striker, Romelu Lukaku, to return on a season-long loan.
The Belgian is ready to return to the Nerazzurri after only one season away, bringing an end to a dreadful return to Stamford Bridge. For his return, an option to buy, an obligation to buy, and an extra year were all considered, but the two parties settled on a one-year loan for Lukaku. Inter will also pay a €8m initially, but it could climb to €10m with add-ons.
While there is now no requirement or option for a permanent transfer, there are indications that an agreement might be reached in the future.
Lukaku returned to Chelsea from Inter in a spectacular £97.5 million deal last summer, but he had a disappointing season at Stamford Bridge. A bout of COVID-19, an ankle injury, and a self-sabotaging interview with Italian media in which he declared his love for his former team all occurred in short succession, and it did not help that the expected goals failed to materialise.
Lukaku’s relationship with Chelsea supporters and manager, Thomas Tuchel, deteriorated with that now-famous interview, and while the German coach was open to the player continuing in west London, an exit was seen as the best solution for all parties involved.
About the Author
Jude Obafemi is a versatile senior Correspondent at THEWILL Newspapers, excelling in sourcing, researching, and delivering sports news stories for both print and digital publications.
