At 19, it seems Romelu Lukaku is already establishing himself as one of the rising scorers and strikers in the English Premier League, doing very well for West Brom. Still, the Chelsea player (on loan at the moment) won’t be happy until he gets regular European football, feeling he needs to play in top competitions to improve, and win a place in the Belgium squad heading towards the 2014 World Cup.

Lukaku was purchased by Chelsea from Anderlecht for £10 million, which might double according to the add-ons in the agreement. After a few appearances during his first season with the team, it was made clear he needed more playing time in a starting lineup, something he wasn’t going to get staying with Chelsea. So came the loan to the midlands, where Lukaku has scored 13 goals in 27 matches while West Brom are having a very good season in the middle of the table. Next? Not a return to Chelsea.

While the Baggies would love to have him back for next season, it seems Lukaku wants to keep on the loan treatment, knowing he isn’t going to become a starter for Chelsea next season despite their striker problems, but for a club that’ll be playing in a continental competition, preferably the Europa League. Lukaku won’t be loaned out to one of the Premier League clubs that will make it in the competition, but maybe to someone who reaches the Europa League will be something Chelsea can live with. They do not want to loan him out to a different league, feeling that getting ready for a Chelsea spot involves playing for a team in the same league, although not one that can threaten Chelsea’s position and ambitions.