'I knew' - Shock claims as £20m winger failed Newcastle United medical on purpose
Newcastle United moved for former Lazio winger Jordan Lukaku shortly before signing Miguel Almiron
Belgian international Jordan Lukaku has revealed he underwent a medical at Newcastle United - and “knew” he was going to fail.
Rewind to five-and-a-half years ago and the Magpies were actively looking to break their transfer record. A winger was targeted, with Mike Ashley reluctantly allowing Rafa Benitez to loosen the purse strings in January 2019.
Lukaku - brother of former Chelsea and Manchester United striker Romelu - had emerged as an exciting wide player for Serie A giants Lazio. A serious knee injury saw his career stall but that did not deter Toon interest.
However, the truth would be revealed during his medical and Newcastle pulled out of the deal. Sources at the time claimed the Magpies agreed a loan move but Lukaku has now suggested it would have been a permanent switch.
As it happened, Newcastle signed Miguel Almiron weeks later for a club-record fee from Atlanta United. Speaking to So Foot, the now 30-year-old - whose injury struggles have persisted - opened up about his failed St James’ Park switch.
“Not even being able to climb the stairs when you are young and a top athlete hurts,” Lukaku said. “I had to go on loan to play again and show myself again. The sporting director thought that in any case.
“I had no choice but to stay because, according to him, clubs would not come for me. The next day I brought an offer of €21million from Newcastle just to show him. Before the medical examination in England, I relapsed against Napoli.
“I knew that I was going to fail but I still went there to show Lazio that I wasn’t finished. (Rafa) Benítez wanted me, I even took the photo, but once again the injuries caught up with me.”