Romelu Lukaku agrees Fenerbahce terms as Napoli talks enter final stage

Romelu Lukaku has agreed in principle to join Fenerbahce, with the Turkish club expected to complete negotiations with Napoli within the next 24 hours.

The Belgium striker has accepted a two-year contract worth €10m, including bonuses, as Fenerbahce look to add his experience to their squad ahead of the new season.

According to Italian newspaper La Gazzetta dello Sport, discussions between Fenerbahce and Napoli have reached their final stages. The Turkish club are keen to conclude the transfer quickly, while Lukaku’s agent Federico Pastorello is expected to hold further talks in Italy as both parties work towards an agreement.

Napoli are understood to be willing to sanction the 33-year-old’s departure. The Italian club want to receive at least €10m-12m from the transfer to avoid making a capital loss on the player.

Lukaku joined Napoli in 2024 and helped the club win the Italian league title during that season. His impending move to Fenerbahce would also give him the opportunity to continue playing in the Champions League, with the Turkish side currently competing in the qualifying rounds.

Chelsea could benefit financially from the transfer. When Napoli signed Lukaku in 2024, the club agreed to pay Chelsea 40% of any future sale involving the striker.

Lukaku’s exit would also remove his gross annual salary of €11m from Napoli’s wage bill. That would provide the Italian club with greater flexibility in the transfer market as they reshape their squad.

The proposed transfer comes only a few days after Turkish club Trabzonspor announced the signing of Egypt captain Mohamed Salah on a two-year deal. The move for Salah, described as unprecedented for a player of his stature, has caused major excitement in Turkey.

Fenerbahce’s acquisition of Lukaku would give newly appointed manager Ismail Kartal a forward with extensive experience at the highest level. The club are aiming to challenge for domestic honours while also making progress in European competition.

Lukaku has previously played for clubs including Chelsea, and his move to Turkey would represent another significant stage in a career that has included success in Italy. Fenerbahce now hope the remaining negotiations with Napoli can be completed swiftly, allowing the striker to join their plans for the coming campaign.