Romelu Lukaku’s tumultuous tenure at Chelsea has officially ended, as the Belgian striker completes a €30m plus add-ons move to Napoli.
This transfer reunites him with Antonio Conte, the manager under whom he enjoyed his most successful spell at Inter Milan. Lukaku’s return to Serie A, where he previously thrived, marks a new chapter in his career, offering both Napoli and the player a fresh start.
A Reunion with Conte
Napoli’s decision to secure Lukaku’s services has largely been driven by their manager, Antonio Conte. The duo’s previous partnership at Inter Milan from 2019 to 2021 was nothing short of spectacular. Under Conte’s guidance, Lukaku netted 64 goals in 95 appearances, playing a pivotal role in Inter’s 2021 Serie A triumph. The striker’s prolific form during this period was a key factor in Chelsea’s decision to bring him back to Stamford Bridge in 2021 for a staggering £97.5m ($128m).
However, Lukaku’s return to Chelsea proved to be far less successful. After two underwhelming seasons, first on loan back at Inter and then at Roma, the Belgian striker has now been handed an opportunity to rekindle his form under Conte at Napoli. With a three-year contract in hand, Lukaku is poised to make his debut for the club, possibly as soon as this weekend against Parma, or after the international break against Cagliari on September 15.
Chelsea’s Financial Relief and Osimhen’s Uncertain Future
Lukaku’s departure from Chelsea is not only a significant move for Napoli but also a relief for the Blues. The sale of the striker allows Chelsea to offload his hefty £325,000-a-week wages, which had become a financial burden. Despite the considerable loss incurred, as Chelsea had originally invested £97.5m in Lukaku’s return, the club managed to recoup some of the expenditure through his sale to Napoli and previous loan fees.
This transfer could have broader implications for Napoli, particularly concerning their star forward Victor Osimhen. The Nigerian striker has been a target for several top clubs, including Chelsea, who have already submitted a bid. However, Chelsea faces stiff competition from Saudi Arabian club Al-Hilal, who have reportedly offered Osimhen an eye-watering £25m ($33m) per year to join the Saudi Pro League. Lukaku’s arrival at Napoli might signal the beginning of the end for Osimhen’s time at the club, potentially paving the way for a high-profile move.
Lukaku’s Chelsea Tenure: A Costly Disappointment
Romelu Lukaku’s time at Chelsea will likely be remembered as one of the most disappointing transfers in the club’s history. The Belgian arrived with high expectations, seen as the final piece in a Thomas Tuchel-led team that had just won the UEFA Champions League. However, his tenure was marred by injuries, inconsistent performances, and off-field controversies.
A notable low point came in December 2021 when Lukaku gave an unsanctioned interview to Sky Italia, where he expressed dissatisfaction with his role at Chelsea and openly criticized Tuchel’s tactics. The fallout from this interview strained his relationship with the club’s fans and management, leading to a noticeable dip in form. Despite issuing an apology, Lukaku never fully regained the support of the Stamford Bridge faithful.
The striker’s desire to leave became apparent soon after, and Chelsea’s new ownership was more than willing to facilitate his exit. However, finding a permanent buyer proved challenging, resulting in successive loan moves back to Inter Milan and Roma. Ultimately, Chelsea managed to recoup £15m in loan fees and an additional €30m from Napoli, but the overall financial outlay on Lukaku, totaling $415m across his various transfers, remains a stark reminder of the mismanagement that plagued his time at the club.
Romelu Lukaku’s Transfer History
Lukaku’s career has been defined by a series of high-profile moves across Europe, each marked by significant transfer fees that underscore his perceived value as a top striker. As he embarks on this new chapter with Napoli, a look back at his transfer history reveals the remarkable journey of a player whose talent has consistently commanded attention—and substantial investment—from some of the biggest clubs in the world.
- 2011: Anderlecht to Chelsea—$17M
- 2013: Chelsea to Everton—$4M (loan)
- 2014: Chelsea to Everton—$40M
- 2017: Everton to Man Utd—$95M
- 2019: Man Utd to Inter—$83M
- 2021: Inter to Chelsea—$127M
- 2022: Chelsea to Inter—$9M (loan)
- 2023: Chelsea to Roma—$7M (loan)
- 2024: Chelsea to Napoli—$33M
$415M has been spent on Romelu Lukaku.
How old is Romelu Lukaku?
31
