Romelu Lukaku claims the Saudi Pro League can become ‘one of the best in the world’… as the on-loan Roma forward hints at next move ahead of Chelsea return

Romelu Lukaku has claimed he can ‘absolutely’ see himself playing in the Saudi Pro League in the future, as the exiled Chelsea forward suggested the developing competition can become ‘one of the best in the world’.

Lukaku is currently on a season-long loan to Roma, after finding he had no place in Chelsea boss Mauricio Pochettino‘s plans. 

The Belgian had seen moves to Inter Milan and Juventus break down before eventually joined their Serie A rivals.

Lukaku had been sought after by leading Saudi Arabian club Al-Hilal, later claiming he had been honoured by their interest by ‘didn’t want to leave Europe yet.’

The 30-year-old has now praised the potential of the league, suggesting it could soon challenge the leading European competitions.

Lukaku has talked up the Saudi Pro League and suggested he could see himself playing in the Middle East in the future

‘In the next two years I see Saudi Pro League becoming one of the best in the world, if not the best,’ Lukaku told Riyadiya TV.

‘The clubs make a lot of efforts to bring the big players here. As a result, the teams and the footballing qualities are improving significantly.

‘They are improving a lot. It could be the best competition in the world.’

Lukaku was also asked whether he could see himself playing in the Middle East in the future, with the forward responding ‘absolutely’.

His comments are likely to reignite interest from Saudi Arabia clubs in bringing Lukaku to the Pro League in the summer.

Saudi Arabian clubs would be among those to afford Lukaku’s current £325,000 per week wages in his Chelsea contract.

Lukaku is set to return to the Blues in the summer when his £7m loan spell at Roma concludes.

The forward has scored 15 goals in 26 matches for Roma, but the club’s disappointing season led to Jose Mourinho being sacked as manager earlier this month.