In recent revelations, Jordan Lukaku, currently a player for Adanaspor, has shared insights into a past transfer attempt by Newcastle United, as reported by So Foot. Lukaku, a 30-year-old defender, had a notable career trajectory, spending six years with Lazio before his departure as a free agent in 2022. His subsequent stint included a brief period with Ponferradina in Spain’s lower divisions, before he joined Adanaspor in August 2023.
During his tenure with Lazio, Newcastle United expressed significant interest in acquiring Lukaku. This period of interest from Newcastle coincided with Rafael Benítez’s tenure as the club’s manager. According to Lukaku, Benítez was keen on integrating him into the squad at St James’ Park, and the club submitted a substantial bid of €21 million to Lazio. At that time, Igli Tare was serving as Lazio’s sporting director, a role he held from 2008 to 2023.
Lukaku’s commentary on this transfer attempt reveals his dissatisfaction with Tare and the overall handling of his situation at Lazio. He recounted that despite his efforts and the interest from Newcastle, he faced significant challenges.
Lukaku highlighted a specific instance when he was unable to ascend the stairs due to injury, a situation he described as particularly disheartening for a top athlete. This physical setback led him to seek a loan move to regain form and demonstrate his capabilities once more.
Lukaku’s frustration was exacerbated by Lazio’s handling of his situation. He expressed disappointment with the club’s attitude, particularly Tare’s belief that no other clubs would pursue him. To counter this perception, Lukaku brought forth Newcastle’s offer of €21 million as a demonstration of his value and market interest.
However, his transfer hopes were thwarted when he suffered a relapse before the medical examination in England. Lukaku was aware of the impending failure but proceeded with the medical to show Lazio that he was still capable of performing at a high level.
He mentioned that Benítez was indeed interested in his acquisition and that he had even taken a photograph to commemorate the potential transfer. Despite this, his injuries ultimately prevented the deal from materializing.
Lukaku did not specify the exact timing of the Newcastle offer, but it is likely that this occurred during the winter transfer window of 2019. During this period, there were reports in Italy indicating Newcastle’s interest in Lukaku, which aligns with the timeline he described.
This account sheds light on the complexities and challenges that players often face in the transfer market, including the impact of injuries and the intricate negotiations between clubs and sporting directors. Lukaku’s experience underscores the difficulties of navigating professional football transfers and the sometimes unpredictable nature of player movements in the sport.
