UK Edition
Romelu Lukaku likely to leave Manchester United as he hints at busy summer ahead
Romelu Lukaku has given the clearest indication yet that he wants to leave Manchester United this summer, with the Belgium striker reluctant to play a back-up role to Marcus Rashford next season.
Ole Gunnar Solskjaer, the United manager, has made it clear that Rashford is his first choice centre-forward and Lukaku, now 26, is wary of reduced playing time as he enters what he believes will be the peak years of his career.
Antonio Conte, the newly appointed Inter Milan coach, is determined to take Lukaku to Italy having missed out on the Belgium striker in 2017 when he opted to join United over Chelsea.
The pair share an agent, Federico Pastorello, and hope a deal can be reached although United are unprepared to lose Lukaku cheaply and would want to recoup their £80 million investment in order to sanction a sale. Everton are also due an additional £5 million windfall if the player is sold this summer.
Lukaku has never entirely won over United supporters but he remains a proven goalscorer and scored twice in Belgium’s 3-0 win over Scotland on Tuesday to take his tally to 25 goals in his last 21 international appearances. The Belgium supporters unfurled banners in honour of Lukaku that read: “26 years old … already a legend”.
Speaking after the game, Lukaku again hinted at a move from Old Trafford. “I’ll speak with my club and my agent Federico Pastorello to make the best decision,” he said. “I am going to enjoy my holidays with my family now. I know what I’ll do, but won’t say it. We’ll see. Do I expect a busy summer? Yes.
“I’ve had a difficult season at club level. I lost my place and haven’t played much. But that is a phase in my career and it will help me for the next step.”
United formally completed the signing of Wales winger, Daniel James, from Swansea City on Wednesday, subject to international clearance, but Solskjaer remains in the market for another right sided forward, regardless of whether Lukaku stays or goes.
United will pay an initial £15 million rising to £18 million for James, who has signed a five-year contract until June 2024 with the option of another 12 months.
“Daniel is an exciting young winger with lots of skills, vision, exceptional pace and a good work ethic,” Solskjaer said. “He had a great season with Swansea City and has all the attributes needed to become a Manchester United player. This is the perfect environment for Daniel to continue his development.”
James described signing for United as “one of the best days of my life” but admitted his regret that his father, Kevan, who passed away suddenly last month, was not around to witness the moment. “The Premier League is the best league in the world and Manchester United is the perfect place for me to continue to develop as a player,” he said. “This is an incredibly proud moment for me and my family, however, it is tinged with sadness that my father isn’t able to share this experience with us. I am looking forward to working with Ole, meeting the team and getting started.”