Chelsea FC is poised to significantly reduce its wage bill by over £23 million this summer, with Romelu Lukaku and Malang Sarr set to leave the club.
The two players, seen as underperforming investments, are nearing transfers that will ease financial pressure on the club. Lukaku is close to joining Napoli, while Sarr is finalizing a move to Lens.
Romelu Lukaku, who has not played for Chelsea since May 2022 and is under contract until 2026, is expected to sign a three-year deal with Napoli. The Belgian striker reportedly agreed to a £5 million per year salary with the Italian club, a significant reduction from the £16.9 million he has been earning annually at Chelsea since his return in 2021. Despite hopes that new manager Enzo Maresca might reintegrate Lukaku into the squad, it seems a return to Serie A is imminent.
Meanwhile, Malang Sarr’s departure is also on the horizon. The 25-year-old defender, who joined Chelsea from Nice in 2020, has had his contract terminated a year early. Chelsea was eager to offload his £120,000-a-week wages, which amounted to £6.2 million per year. Sarr, who spent the past season training with the under-21s, is set to join Lens on a free transfer, with a medical reportedly scheduled.
Sarr made just 21 appearances for Chelsea, with additional loan spells at Porto and Monaco. His departure will mark the end of a largely disappointing tenure at Stamford Bridge.
Lukaku’s transfer is still being negotiated, with Chelsea reportedly willing to lower their £38 million release clause to £29.5 million. However, Napoli, now managed by Antonio Conte, who previously coached Lukaku at Inter Milan, might still find the fee challenging. The potential sale of Napoli’s star striker Victor Osimhen, possibly to Chelsea, could facilitate Lukaku’s move.
Chelsea’s head coach, Enzo Maresca, who has overseen several signings this summer, could benefit significantly from these departures, as the freed-up wages may allow for high-profile acquisitions.
These exits come as part of Chelsea’s broader strategy to streamline its wage bill and reinvest in the squad, aiming for a more financially sustainable and competitive team for the upcoming season.
