Napoli Transfer Market: Italian Soccer Bids Farewell to Another Star. The Details
Italian soccer bids farewell to another star. Romelu Lukaku has been announced as Fenerbahçe’s newest player. The Belgian powerhouse is moving to Turkey for 7 million euros, with Chelsea set to receive 40% of the amount Napoli will receive. Born in 1993, Lukaku certainly can’t complain about the financial terms offered to him in Istanbul: he has signed a one-year contract with an option for a second year at 10 million per season. In Italy’s Serie A, Lukaku was also a standout while playing for Inter and Roma, frequently finding the back of the net—exactly what the ambitious Gialloblu are expecting from him as well.
The negotiations were not straightforward. Fenerbahçe had initially presented an offer of 6 million euros, which was rejected by Aurelio De Laurentiis, who personally oversaw the matter until its conclusion. The Turks then slowed down the talks to pressure Napoli into lowering their demands, a strategy that produced the desired effect. An agreement was finally reached for approximately 7 million euros, a figure that satisfied all parties involved.
Fenerbahçe, however, was not the only potential destination on the table for Big Rom. In recent weeks, Atlanta United and New York City had also come forward, with the American option having met with some openness on the striker’s part. In the end, however, Lukaku chose to stay in Europe, preferring Istanbul to a move overseas.
The Belgian leaves Napoli after a particularly troubled second season, marred by a series of physical issues that limited him to just five league appearances and one goal. There had also been some tension with the Neapolitan club, fueled by his desire to play for Belgium at the World Cup in North America. Not surprisingly, Lukaku failed to report to the summer training camp in Castel di Sangro, effectively making the split inevitable. Looking at his two seasons with Napoli as a whole, however, his record stands at 45 appearances, 15 goals, 11 assists, and a Serie A title won in 2025.
At Fenerbahçe, Lukaku will find an environment of great ambition and a highly respectable roster. The Yellow-and-Blues, currently competing in the Champions League qualifiers, can count on players of the caliber of Talisca, Greenwood, Asensio, and Akturkoglu, as well as a quality midfield featuring Kanté and Guendouzi. The Turkish club is therefore poised to play a leading role both domestically and on the European stage.
