Napoli has acquired Belgian striker Romelu Lukaku from Chelsea for £30 million. The move, facilitated by Napoli’s manager Antonio Conte, marks a reunion for the player and manager, who previously enjoyed a successful partnership at Inter Milan from 2019 to 2021.
Lukaku, now 31, rejoined Chelsea in 2021 for a substantial fee of £97.5 million. However, he has spent the last two seasons on loan in Italy, first with Inter and then with Roma. During his time with Inter, Lukaku scored 24 league goals and played a pivotal role in their Serie A title win under Conte.
The departure of Lukaku, who has not featured for Chelsea since May 2022, helps the club reduce its wage bill, as his salary was £325,000 per week. Conte mentioned that Lukaku could make his Napoli debut in their upcoming match against Parma on Saturday at 19:45 BST.
In addition to Lukaku's transfer, Chelsea midfielder Tino Anjorin is also moving to Serie A, signing a three-year deal with Empoli. Chelsea and Saudi Pro League side Al-Ahli are in discussions to acquire Nigeria striker Victor Osimhen, 25, which will assist Napoli in managing their spending.
Analysis of Lukaku's Chelsea Tenure
Lukaku’s tenure at Chelsea has been widely regarded as unsuccessful, failing to justify the initial £100 million investment made during the Roman Abramovich era. Chelsea's statement in 2021 described Lukaku as "one of the most prolific strikers in European football," highlighting his return to the club he supported as a young boy and his previous stint with them from 2011 to 2014.
Despite Lukaku being seen as a potential solution to Chelsea's attacking needs, his time at the club was marked by challenges. Frustrations over game time, following an ankle injury in December 2021, led to an unauthorized interview with Sky Italia, where he expressed dissatisfaction with his situation and questioned the team’s system.
Lukaku later apologized, but his relationship with the club's supporters suffered, impacting his performance. Subsequently, he expressed a desire to leave, and Chelsea’s new ownership facilitated his exit. The club recouped £15 million in loan fees and an additional £30 million from his sale to Napoli, but Lukaku’s spell at Chelsea is remembered as a period of unfulfilled potential and financial disappointment.
