Why Lukaku’s $135m move to Chelsea will make him most expensive player ahead of Neymar, Ronaldo

Ahead of the football season in Europe, clubs are making signings to bring in some of the best talents in the world in order to boost their chances in both the domestic league and continental competitions. 

In 2016, French star Paul Pogba made a £105 million (now $145 million) move to Manchester United, making him the English Premier League’s priciest ever star. He recently lost that spot to Jack Grealish, who was signed by EPL champions Manchester City.

Chelsea is preparing to sign Belgium striker Romelu Lukaku for a club-record fee of £97 million ($135 million). This will make the Belgian of Congolese descent the most expensive player with combined transfers in the world ahead of players like Paris Saint-Germain stars Messi and Neymar and Juventus forward Christiano Ronaldo.

Currently, Neymar holds the record for costing the most cumulatively, according to Talk Sports. His cumulative transfer cost amounts to £279 million. However, Lukaku will overtake the Brazilian superstar when he joins Chelsea. His cumulative transfer cost will amount to £288 million when he re-joins Chelsea from Inter Milan.

The Belgian striker first joined Chelsea on a 15 transfer deal. He then joined Everton for 35 million euros after a loan deal that cost £3.50 million. Manchester United signed him for £84.70 million before he was sold to Inter Milan for £74 million. 

At Chelsea, Lukaku is expected to earn £250,000 per week while at Inter Milan, he was reportedly earning £200,000 per week. His weekly wages will put him among some of the top football earners in the world.

Lukaku was born in Antwerp, Belgium, to Congolese parents. His father, Roger Lukaku, was a professional player and capped for the Congolese senior national team. 

Lukaku started his professional career at the Belgian Pro League club Anderlecht in 2009. He made 73 appearances for the club and scored 33 which earned him a form to Chelsea, then to Everton, Manchester United, Inter Milan, and back to Chelsea. He made his international debut at age 17 and has so far netted 64 goals in 98 games for the Belgian national team.

Lukaku’s brother is also a professional footballer. Jordan Lukaku currently plays for Lazio and also has eight senior Belgium caps.

Now 28, Lukaku is currently not dating after his split with his partner, Sarah Mens. They have a child together called Romeo. He is also a devoted Roman Catholic. 

Lukaku was formerly managed by Mino Raiola, current manager for Paul Pogba. He is also part of Jay-Z’s Roc Nation Sports management agency after parting ways with Raiola.