Romelu Lukaku has joined Fenerbahce from Napoli, the Turkish club announced on Wednesday, August 12.
The 33-year-old Belgium striker moves to Istanbul for a reported fee of around €6 million.
Lukaku played a key role in Napoli’s Serie A title-winning campaign in 2024-25 under Antonio Conte, scoring 14 goals in 38 appearances.
“Hello dear Fenerbahce fans...It is a great honor and privilege for me to join your club and be a part of such a magnificent club with such a glorious history.” Lukaku said in a video published on the club’s website.
“I will work hard every day, doing my best in training and on the pitch, trying to help the team in the best way possible. I’m 100% ready, I’m ready to go out onto the field.
“This is a somewhat emotional moment for me as well, because I’m returning to Türkiye after many years. As you know, I lived here as a young child, and this is where I discovered the world of professional football with my father.”
The move comes after a difficult second season at Napoli, with injuries limiting Lukaku to seven appearances in all competitions in 2025-26, none of them as a starter. He played just 64 minutes and scored once.
Lukaku returned to form at the 2026 World Cup, scoring three goals in six matches as Belgium reached the quarter-finals before losing to eventual champions Spain.
Fenerbahce are hoping the Belgian can strengthen their attack as they look to improve on last season’s second-place finish in the Süper Lig, with their league campaign beginning away to Genclerbirligi on Sunday, August 15.
Two days later, on Tuesday, August 18, Fenerbahce will face Lyon in the first leg of the Champions League play-off round. The two-legged tie will determine which side reaches the 2026-27 Champions League league phase.
