Romelu Lukaku has completed his move from Napoli to Turkish giants Fenerbahçe in a deal worth more than €6 million, bringing the Belgium striker’s time in Italy to an end.
The 33-year-old joined Napoli permanently from Chelsea in August 2024 and immediately reunited with Antonio Conte, the coach under whom he had enjoyed the most prolific period of his career at Inter Milan.
Lukaku played a key role as Napoli won the 2024/25 Serie A title, scoring 14 league goals in his first season. He finished his Napoli spell with 15 goals in 41 appearances across competitions.
His second season, however, was disrupted by a thigh injury that kept him out for several months, limiting his contribution before the decision was taken to move him on.
Fenerbahçe’s move for Lukaku gives the Turkish club an experienced striker with a long record of scoring at the highest level. He has previously played for Anderlecht, Chelsea, Everton, Manchester United, Inter Milan and Roma, while also becoming Belgium’s all-time leading goalscorer.
The transfer also represents a significant change in direction for Lukaku. After spending much of his career in England and Italy, he will now take on a new challenge in Turkey, where expectations will be high given his pedigree and the size of his reputation.
For Fenerbahçe, the signing is ultimately a gamble on whether Lukaku can rediscover the consistency that made him one of Europe’s most feared strikers.
The club will need more than his name. With the new season underway, Lukaku will be expected to stay fit, lead the attack and deliver the goals that justify the investment as Fenerbahçe chase domestic success and their European ambitions.
