Lukaku saw RM transfer ruined as agent speaks out - 'There was a chance'

Carlo Ancelotti was keen on bringing Romelu Lukaku to Real Madrid during his exile at Chelsea but the club were prioritising Kylian Mbappe, signing him the following year

Romelu Lukaku's agent has revealed that the former Chelsea striker's potential shock move to Real Madrid was blocked because of Kylian Mbappe. Lukaku, who now plays for Napoli, was an outcast at Stamford Bridge in the summer of 2023.

The Belgian had spent the previous season on loan at former club Inter Milan, helping them reach the Champions League final. But a permanent deal didn't come to fruition and Lukaku returned to West London, where he was unwanted.

Roma eventually saved him in the dying embers of that summer's transfer window, signing him on loan. But it could've been very different for the ex-Manchester United, Everton and West Brom star.

"I must be honest and say there was an opportunity, at a time when it wasn't clear where Romelu was going and with (Carlo) Ancelotti as coach," his agent, Federico Pastorello, told AS.

"They were thinking of reinforcing the forward line, but they were already focused on the big signing of Mbappe for the following year and didn't want to spend money on a loan.

"So let's say there was an opportunity because Ancelotti would have liked it; he always held Lukaku in high regard, but unfortunately it didn't materialise."

Instead, Real signed Joselu on loan from Espanyol as a stopgap. The experienced forward helped Ancelotti's side win the Champions League in 2024 before Mbappe arrived on a long-awaited free transfer from Paris Saint-Germain.

Has Romelu Lukaku become underrated? Have your say in the comments section.

Lukaku, meanwhile, hit 21 goals in 47 games for Roma, convincing Napoli to spend £30million on him. It was a significant loss on the £97.5m that Chelsea paid Inter to re-sign him in 2021, having first been let go by the Blues seven years prior.

The 32-year-old helped Antonio Conte's team win the Serie A title and he finally looked settled again. Unfortunately for Lukaku, injury has prevented him from playing so far this campaign.

The Belgium international suffered a thigh injury in pre-season, ruling him out until at least November. Lukaku also suffered the loss of his father, Roger, in September.

He'll be hoping to return to action soon, with Napoli making a strong start to their title defence. Meanwhile, Belgium need just one win from their final two games in World Cup qualifying to automatically book their place at next summer's tournament in North America.