Belgian Striker Set For Turkish Move

Fenerbahce are closing in on a deal for Romelu Lukaku, submitting a fresh official bid worth over €6 million after Napoli accepted the improved proposal. Both clubs now expect final steps to follow shortly, clearing the path for the Belgian striker to complete his switch to Istanbul.

Personal terms had already been settled well before this latest breakthrough. Lukaku reportedly agreed a contract worth around €10 million per season, running until 2028 with an option extending through to 2029. That agreement, sources suggest, was never really in doubt, given how eager the 33-year-old appeared to begin a fresh chapter away from Naples.

The financial gap, though, took longer to resolve. Napoli initially wanted closer to €10 to €12 million, while Fenerbahce's earlier offers landed considerably lower, sometimes as little as €5 million. Notably, a significant portion of any fee, roughly 40 percent, flows directly to Chelsea through a sell-on clause embedded in Lukaku's original 2024 move to Naples.

That complication partly explains Napoli's firm stance throughout negotiations. Still, momentum has clearly shifted in recent days. Fenerbahce's latest bid, exceeding €6 million, appears to have finally satisfied enough of Napoli's requirements to push the transfer toward completion.

A Fresh Chapter After Difficult Spell

Lukaku's final season in Naples proved genuinely difficult. He managed just seven appearances across all competitions, scoring only once amid ongoing disciplinary friction with the club. Consequently, a fresh environment appeared increasingly necessary for reviving his career.

His World Cup showing with Belgium offered a reminder of his remaining quality, though. Lukaku featured in six matches, scoring three goals and providing an assist, proving he still possesses the sharpness required at elite level.

Napoli, meanwhile, are reportedly exploring Arsenal's Gabriel Jesus as a potential replacement, continuing their squad reshuffle under Massimiliano Allegri this summer. Fenerbahce, for their part, have been notably active, already adding Mason Greenwood and Nathan Ake to their ranks this window.

With personal terms locked in and the fee gap narrowing considerably, according to Sports Mole, an official announcement could follow within days.