Fenerbahce seal Lukaku signing as Turkish giants bolster squad

Fenerbahce have officially announced the signing of Belgium international Romelu Lukaku from Napoli in a transfer worth around €6m. The move sees the striker swap Serie A for the Turkish Super Lig as Fenerbahce continue their ambitious recruitment drive ahead of the new season.

Lukaku had been granted permission to undergo a medical earlier this week after Fenerbahce and Napoli agreed on the transfer fee. The 31-year-old forward was deemed surplus to requirements at Napoli after the Italian club made Rasmus Hojlund's loan from Manchester United permanent. Chelsea are reportedly due a cut of the fee received for their former striker.

Strong form at Napoli before injury-plagued 2025-26

The Belgian striker played a crucial role in Napoli's Scudetto-winning campaign under manager Antonio Conte in 2024-25, contributing 14 goals across 38 matches. However, his current season has been disrupted by injuries, restricting him to just seven appearances—none of which were starts—accumulating only 64 minutes across all competitions and scoring just one goal.

Despite the limited domestic action, Lukaku performed well at the recent World Cup, scoring three times and featuring in all six of Belgium's matches as they reached the quarter-finals, where they lost to eventual champions Spain.

Part of Fenerbahce's ambitious overhaul

Lukaku is among a host of high-profile signings assembled by Fenerbahce this transfer window as they target their first appearance in the Champions League proper since 2008-09. The Istanbul club's spending is estimated at around €70m during the current window, with other notable acquisitions including Mason Greenwood, Nathan Ake, Vedat Muriqi, and Sidiki Cherif.

Fenerbahce finished as runners-up in the Turkish Super Lig last season and are keen to go one better this campaign. They face Lyon in the Champions League play-off round, with the first leg staged in Turkey next week, following Saturday's Super Lig opener at Genclerbirligi.