Chelsea and Inter have reached a full agreement over a loan move for forward Romelu Lukaku after a season-long transfer saga that saw him underperform during his second Stamford Bridge return.
The big Belgian’s dream of an Inter return has finally come true, after an underwhelming season at Chelsea where he managed to score just 15 goals in 44 caps in 2021/22 under Thomas Tuchel, who gave the green light for his departure.
Romelu Lukaku to @SkySport: "Physically I am fine. But I'm NOT happy with the situation at Chelsea. Tuchel has chosen to play with another system – I won't give up, I'll be professional. I am not happy with the situation but I am professional – and I can't give up now". ? #CFC pic.twitter.com/KGNoJ10cwp
— Fabrizio Romano (@FabrizioRomano) December 30, 2021
His big-money €113M transfer from Inter to Chelsea turned out to be a record fee for the English side but ended up being rather disappointing amid a downturn of form and off-field issues. Lukaku will now move for an €8M loan fee until the summer of 2023, with the potential to earn more through performance-related add-ons, Sky informs. There is no buy option or obligation clause included in the deal, and he will take a pay cut to return to Milan. His medical examination will be held next week.
Romelu Lukaku returns to Inter, here we go and confirmed! Full agreement now signed on loan deal until June 2023, €8 loan fee plus add-ons. ⚫️? #CFC #Inter
▫️ Lukaku’s salary will be around €8m.
▫️ NO buy option or obligation clause.
▫️ Add-ons related to team performances. pic.twitter.com/3sEeQtfXs0
— Fabrizio Romano (@FabrizioRomano) June 21, 2022
Despite the Nerazzurri signing him for an understated loan fee, they will continue receiving the earlier transfer fee payments with yearly installments on his Chelsea move set at €23M. Lukaku has long been vocal regarding his intention to reunite with Inter after he bagged 64 goals in 95 appearances for the Italians during the course of two campaigns, leading them to the Scudetto championship in 2020/21.
It remains to be seen how the Curva Nord will welcome the Belgian back to his old playing ground after he was denounced heavily for the manner in which he left the club despite publicly issuing his apology.