Romelu Lukaku, the 29-year-old Belgian international will once again lead Inter Milan’s attack as they attempt to regain the Serie A title after taking a reported pay cut to 8.5 million euros for the upcoming campaign. It means that Lukaku leaves London after failing to make an impression for a second time at Chelsea by not meeting the high expectations following a 97.5 million euro move from Inter last summer.
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Lukaku failed to reproduce his Serie A form with the Blues and angered the Chelsea fans by conducting an interview with Sky Sports in which he said he wanted to return to Inter Milan. Although those comments were hard for the Chelsea fan base, it certainly helped Inter having interest in signing him again.
During his time at San Siro, he made himself a fan favorite. In two years, he went on to score 64 times in 95 games and also drove them to their first Serie A title in more than a decade that ended Juventus’ dominance in Italian football.
Lukaku to Inter: The Deal Structure
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The Blues were keen to get Lukaku’s club-high 325,000 pounds a week wages off their books so the new Chelsea owner Todd Boehly prioritized the negotiations around Lukaku to kickstart the club’s summer business, while Lukaku was also keen on leaving Stamford Bridge.
Inter, who Lukaku won the league with in 2021, will have to pay an 8 million euro loan fee with add-ons, while the player takes home an 8 millions euro a year salary. However, Inter have no buy option or an obligation to buy him in his current contract.
But, Chelsea will effectively be paying Inter to take Lukaku, even with the loan fee being paid by the Italian club. The Blues will continue to pay early installments on Lukaku’s original transfer with those payments set at 23 million euros.
What has been said?
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On signing with Inter, The Belgian international who will be wearing No. 90 said, “Inter have given me a lot and I hope that from now I can do even better than before. I didn’t give up my home when I left for England and I think that tells you something.”
Lukaku also told the reporters present for his arrival at Milan’s Linate airport in the early hours of Wednesday that he was “very happy” to be back.
What’s next for Chelsea FC?
With one of their main strikers leaving the club, Chelsea are looking to replace the Belgian with a number of signings. Raheem Sterling and Raphinha of Manchester City and Leeds United respectively are their leading targets this summer.
[Featured Image Credit: Inter]
Shashank Iyer