Fenerbahçe initiate contact with Romelu Lukaku amid Napoli turmoil

Fenerbahçe have reportedly initiated contact with Romelu Lukaku’s representatives as the Belgian striker’s tenure at Napoli appears to be reaching a fractured conclusion.

The Istanbul giants, led by manager José Mourinho, are looking to capitalize on a deepening rift between the player and the Italian club to secure a high-profile addition to their frontline for the upcoming season.

The move comes amid a period of significant turmoil for Lukaku in Naples. Relations between the forward and Napoli management reached a breaking point this week following his failure to return to training on schedule after the international break.

While Lukaku’s camp maintains that he remained in Belgium to undergo specialized medical rehabilitation for a recurring hip flexor injury, Napoli officials have expressed public dissatisfaction with the lack of communication.

The club has since issued a formal statement threatening the striker with an indefinite suspension from first-team activities, casting serious doubt on his future at the Stadio Diego Armando Maradona.

The Turkish side sees the 32-year-old as a transformative signing capable of leading their charge in both the Süper Lig and European competition.

Despite a difficult 2025-26 campaign plagued by injuries—limiting him to just one goal in seven substitute appearances—Lukaku remains one of the most physically dominant strikers in world football when fit.

However, a deal remains complex. Lukaku is currently under contract with Napoli until June 2027 and earns a gross annual salary of approximately €7.69 million.

While his market value has dipped to roughly €12 million due to his recent lack of game time, Napoli will likely seek to recoup a significant portion of their initial investment.