Romelu Lukaku (foto: uradna spletna stran kluba)
Romelu Lukaku has officially joined Fenerbahçe from Napoli for around €6 million, adding another superstar name to an extraordinary summer for Turkish football.
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Romelu Lukaku has a new club. The greatest goalscorer in the history of the Belgian national team has left Napoli after two seasons and officially joined Turkish giants Fenerbahçe.
According to Sky Sport, Fenerbahçe will pay approximately €6 million for the 33-year-old striker, with part of the transfer fee linked to bonuses.
Those bonuses reportedly depend on Lukaku's individual performances and Fenerbahçe's success in the race for the Turkish championship.
His arrival continues an extraordinary summer in Turkey, where clubs have attracted a collection of established European stars rarely seen in the league at the same time.
From Serie A champion to difficult second season
Napoli signed Lukaku from Chelsea two years ago for approximately €30 million.
His first season in Naples was a success. The powerful Belgian scored 14 goals in 38 appearances and helped Napoli win the Serie A title.
The following campaign developed completely differently.
Injury problems restricted Lukaku to only seven appearances, in which he scored once. His decision to complete part of his rehabilitation in Belgium ahead of the World Cup also generated controversy in Italy.
Lukaku leaves Napoli with 15 goals and 11 assists in 45 appearances across all competitions.
Despite his difficult club campaign, he once again demonstrated his importance for Belgium at the World Cup.
Lukaku scored three goals during the tournament before Belgium were eliminated in the quarter-finals by eventual champions Spain.
Lukaku returns to a country from his childhood
The transfer carries additional significance for Lukaku because Turkey formed part of his childhood.
His father, Roger Lukaku, played football in the country, meaning the Belgian experienced Turkish football long before becoming one of Europe's most famous strikers.
"It's also a very emotional moment for me, because I'm returning to Turkey after many years. As you know, I lived here as a small child and learned about the world of professional football with my father," Lukaku said.
The Belgian also sent a clear message to Fenerbahçe supporters about his physical condition.
"I'm incredibly proud to be returning to Fenerbahçe. I'm 100 percent ready, and I can't wait to step on the pitch. Thank you for your support. See you soon."
Fenerbahçe add another huge name
Lukaku arrives in Istanbul with enormous experience accumulated across some of Europe's biggest competitions.
During his career, he has represented Anderlecht, Chelsea, West Bromwich Albion, Everton, Manchester United, Inter, Roma and Napoli.
His international numbers are even more impressive.
Lukaku has scored a record 93 goals in 132 appearances for Belgium, comfortably establishing himself as his country's greatest goalscorer.
Fenerbahçe will now hope those goals help solve the problem that has frustrated the club for more than a decade.
The Istanbul giants have been waiting for the Turkish championship since 2014, and their aggressive work in the transfer market leaves little doubt about their objective for the new season.
At 33, Lukaku is beginning another chapter of a remarkable career, and he arrives in Turkey during a summer in which the country's biggest clubs have assembled an unprecedented collection of football stars.