• Premier League

West Brom snap up Lukaku on loan

ESPN staff
August 10, 2012
Romelu Lukaku has struggled for game-time in his first season at Chelsea © Getty Images
Enlarge

Chelsea youngster Romelu Lukaku has joined West Brom on a season-long loan, ending speculation over his future.

Lukaku, 19, heads to West Brom after a stop-start first year as a Chelsea player, in which he failed to make an impact at first-team level following a high-value transfer from Anderlecht.

Fulham had been strongly tipped to secure the striker's services for the coming campaign, but that move was ruled out by his agent earlier this week.

With Peter Odemwingie, Shane Long and Markus Rosenberg already at the Hawthorns, the Belgian youngster will not be guaranteed first-team action, but will look to force his way into the plans of former Chelsea assistant Steve Clarke.

Lukaku told the Blues' official site: "I'm very excited. After last season, where I was able to adjust and prepare for this season, I can't wait to start at West Brom.

"It's very important because, like Chelsea, West Brom play in the Premier League, but it will also be a good learning school for me where I need to work hard with the players around me.

"I've heard a lot of positives about Steve Clarke here and it will be important for me to listen and learn from him. He plays good football."

The powerful forward will have 10 days to attempt to force his way into contention, with West Brom kicking off the new season at home to Liverpool on August 18.

© ESPN Sports Media Ltd.
Close

ABOUT COOKIES

To help make this website better, to improve and personalize your experience and for advertising purposes, are you happy to accept cookies and other technologies.

More Info Here Cookie Choices