Chelsea's deal with Roma for the permanent sale of Romelu Lukaku worth £37 million ($47m/€43.2m) could be under threat after Jose Mourinho's sacking.
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Lukaku's Roma deal could falterMourinho's sacking could jeopardise dealChelsea wanted to make permanent sale(C)Getty ImagesWHAT HAPPENED?
Chelsea's Lukaku nightmare looked to be headed to an end after his loan move to Roma in the summer with Mourinho reportedly trusting the striker to lead his Roma side upfront. The two sides, as per a report by The Sun, had also agreed to formalise a permanent deal in the summer of 2024. However, after the Portuguese manager's sacking earlier this week due to a major drop in form this season, the report has suggested that the deal could fall through, complexing Chelsea's concerns as they look to free up finances due to FFP constraints.
AdvertisementGetty ImagesTHE BIGGER PICTURE
With the appointment of Roma legend, Daniele De Rossi at the helm of the Giallorossi, Lukaku will have to work hard to impress the Italian if he wants to continue at the Serie A side as he is set to return to London after the conclusion of the season. The Belgian still has two more years left on his contract with the Blues and could return to the Premier League if he fails to impress De Rossi.
GettyDID YOU KNOW?
Despite the doubts regarding his summer move, Lukaku has had a very respectable campaign so far with La Lupa as he has scored 14 goals throughout 25 games. He had an impressive time in the Europa League group stages as he had six goal contributions in just as many games.
WHAT NEXT FOR LUKAKU?
The Belgian striker will have his first shot at impressing his new Italian coach when the Giallorossi take on a poorly performing Hellas Verona on Saturday, January 20.