Napoli director Giovanni Manna says the club were “fortunate” to find Fenerbahce willing to sign Romelu Lukaku after the striker’s relationship with the Italian side deteriorated before the 2026 World Cup.
Lukaku’s time at Napoli became increasingly difficult when he refused to return from Belgium for treatment on an injury. The dispute led to statements from both the player and the club, with each presenting a different version of events, although the two sides eventually resolved their differences.
“The situation was complicated, because footballers are a little egotistical, as everyone is really,” Manna said on the Colpi da Maestro podcast, in comments reported by Tuttomercatoweb.
“He was thinking about the World Cup and being at his best for that, whereas we were challenging for a vital target like the Champions League. It happens in football.”
By the start of the summer transfer window, it was clear the 33-year-old would not remain at Napoli. However, the club faced difficulties in finding a buyer prepared to meet their financial requirements while also offering terms acceptable to Lukaku.
A deal with Turkish club Fenerbahce was finally completed in mid-August. Lukaku moved for €6m plus add-ons, bringing an end to his spell in Naples.
Manna said financial and contractual considerations had made the transfer particularly challenging, especially after Napoli had already invested heavily in Rasmus Hojlund as Lukaku’s replacement.
“When we signed him, we had sealed a pretty complicated agreement with Chelsea for a three-year contract,” he said.
“Things never go the way you expect, we had to deal with a big salary, also having made a large investment on Rasmus Hojlund as his replacement.
“The sale did not go the way we expected, but in a complicated transfer market, we were fortunate we found someone ready to buy him. In any case, I wish him all the best, he won the Scudetto with us and that means a lot.”
Lukaku joined Napoli under an agreement with Chelsea that committed the Italian club to a three-year contract. His departure came after the club had to account for his significant salary and the cost of bringing in Hojlund to fill the position.
The Belgium international has made 13 competitive appearances for Fenerbahce since leaving Napoli, scoring one goal and providing one assist.
