Napoli has secured the signing of Belgium striker Romelu Lukaku from Chelsea, the Serie A club announced on Thursday. Although financial specifics weren’t disclosed, reports suggest the deal was sealed for £30 million ($39.47 million).
This transfer reunites Lukaku with manager Antonio Conte, who previously coached the 31-year-old striker during his prolific stint at Inter Milan from 2019 to 2021. Under Conte’s guidance, Lukaku scored 24 league goals in the 2020-21 season, leading Inter to a Serie A title and boosting his value on the international stage.
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Lukaku’s return to Chelsea in 2021 for a record-breaking £97.5 million transfer fee was short-lived. Despite high expectations, he struggled to find his footing at Stamford Bridge and spent the last two seasons on loan back in Italy, playing for Inter Milan and AS Roma.
Lukaku’s last appearance for Chelsea was in May 2022, and his departure marks the end of a turbulent chapter at the London club. His move to Napoli signals a fresh start and an opportunity to rekindle his success under Conte’s management.
Simultaneously, Chelsea announced the exit of midfielder Tino Anjorin, who has joined Serie A side Empoli on a three-year deal, as the London club continues to reshape its squad.
This transfer has sparked excitement among Napoli fans, as Lukaku’s proven track record in Serie A raises hopes of another title challenge in the upcoming season.
