Romelu Lukaku’s Future Unclear as Atletico Madrid Eyes Loan Deal
By BBC News Staff
Belgium striker Romelu Lukaku may be focused on the World Cup in Brazil, but speculation over his club future continues to intensify. The 21-year-old forward, currently on Chelsea’s books, is once again at the centre of transfer rumours, with reports linking him to a potential season-long loan at Spanish champions Atlético Madrid.
Despite suggestions earlier this week from British newspaper The Sun that Everton were confident of securing Lukaku on a permanent deal following a successful loan spell, it appears a move to La Liga may be on the horizon instead. Spanish outlet El Confidencial reports that Chelsea and Atlético Madrid have reached a preliminary agreement to loan Lukaku for the 2014-2015 season, with final terms expected to be concluded after the World Cup.
Atlético Madrid are in urgent need of a new striker following the departure of Diego Costa to Chelsea. Manager Diego Simeone has reportedly identified Lukaku as a top target to fill the void left by the Spanish international. The Belgian forward’s name is said to have featured prominently during negotiations surrounding Costa’s transfer to Stamford Bridge.
While neither Chelsea nor Lukaku’s representatives have officially confirmed the loan deal, the Belgian daily Het Laatste Nieuws has reported that the player held a “constructive” meeting with Atlético officials prior to the tournament in Brazil.
Lukaku, of Congolese descent, has already spent the past two seasons away from Chelsea on loan — first at West Bromwich Albion, where he impressed with 17 Premier League goals, and most recently at Everton, where he continued to demonstrate his goal-scoring prowess with 15 league strikes.
A third consecutive loan would raise further questions about Lukaku’s long-term future at Chelsea. Despite joining the London club in 2011 with high expectations, the powerful striker has yet to secure a regular starting place under successive managers.
Speaking earlier this year, Lukaku made clear his desire for consistent top-level football. “I want to play where I have the chance to be in the starting XI regularly. That’s important at this stage of my career,” he said.
As Belgium prepare for their next challenge in Brazil, Lukaku’s immediate focus remains on helping the Red Devils progress deep into the tournament. However, with interest from top European clubs and uncertainty at Chelsea, his post-World Cup future looks anything but settled.
