30.10.2026 17:20
Napoli Sporting Director Giovanni Manna made striking statements about Romelu Lukaku, who transferred to Fenerbahçe at the beginning of the season. Stating that they had difficulty in the selling process due to the Belgian striker's high salary, Manna said, "We managed to find someone who could buy him. We can say we were lucky." Lukaku's falling below expectations at Fenerbahçe made these words even more striking.
An astonishing statement came from his former club about Romelu Lukaku, whom Fenerbahçe added to its squad from Napoli at the start of the season. Napoli Sporting Director Giovanni Manna spoke about the club's transfer policy and player sales in an interview with the YouTube channel "Colpi da Maestro". Manna explained that the Belgian striker's departure process from the team was more complicated than they expected.
"WE WERE LUCKY, WE WERE ABLE TO SELL HIM"
Stating that the agreement made with Chelsea during Lukaku's transfer to Napoli was complicated, Manna said the player's high salary created a significant burden for the club.
The Italian executive used the following statements:
"When we signed Lukaku, we had signed a three-year contract with Chelsea through a complicated agreement. However, things never go as you foresee; we had to manage a significant salary burden, and then we had made the Hojlund investment. The sale process did not go as we expected, but managing to find someone who could take him in a complicated transfer market... We can say we were lucky. I still wish him the best; he won the Scudetto with us and truly gave us a lot."
HE COULD NOT MEET EXPECTATIONS AT FENERBAHÇE
Romelu Lukaku, who transferred from Napoli to Fenerbahçe, has not yet shown the expected performance in the yellow-navy jersey. The 32-year-old Belgian center-forward took part in 13 matches this season and contributed only 1 goal and 1 assist. Lukaku, who stayed on the field for a total of 420 minutes, started most of the matches on the bench.
THERE IS A CHAMPIONSHIP CONDITION IN HIS CONTRACT
There is a striking clause in the contract Romelu Lukaku made with Fenerbahçe. If the yellow-navy team achieves the championship in the Süper Lig, the Belgian player's contract will automatically be extended by 1 year. If Fenerbahçe cannot become champions, Lukaku's contract will end at the end of the season.
HE ALSO TALKED ABOUT THE NEW ERA AT NAPOLI
Giovanni Manna also touched on Napoli's coaching change in the interview. Stating that they experienced an unforgettable championship with Antonio Conte, the Italian executive said that Massimiliano Allegri, who took over the team, would make important contributions to the club with his experience and hunger to win. Manna also mentioned his experiences during his Juventus period and the importance he gives to the development of young players.