Napoli president Aurelio De Laurentiis has suggested that Romelu Lukaku could leave the club this summer, stating that “the world is full of players” in response to questions about the Belgian striker’s future. The comments were made during a press conference announcing Napoli’s pre-season training locations, as reported by Gazzetta Dello Sport on Tuesday.
De Laurentiis’s remarks come amid speculation regarding Lukaku’s long-term commitment to Napoli, despite a productive loan spell from Chelsea during the 2025-2026 season. The 31-year-old forward scored 13 Serie A goals for Napoli, playing a key role in their push for a Champions League spot, ultimately finishing fifth. He arrived in Naples on a season-long loan with an option to buy, a clause Napoli have yet to trigger.
The club’s hesitance to pursue a permanent deal appears to stem from a desire to rebuild the squad with younger players, a strategy De Laurentiis alluded to in his comments. He did not specifically mention Kevin De Bruyne, but included him in the same statement regarding potential departures. De Bruyne was linked with a move to Napoli last summer but ultimately remained at Manchester City.
Lukaku’s loan at Napoli represented a return to Serie A, where he previously enjoyed a successful spell with Inter Milan, winning the league title in 2021. His time at Inter was followed by a controversial return to Chelsea, which ultimately proved unsuccessful, leading to the loan move to Naples. His performances for Napoli have reignited interest from several clubs across Europe, including potential suitors in the Premier League.
While no concrete offers have yet emerged, De Laurentiis’s comments signal Napoli’s willingness to consider offers for Lukaku. The club is reportedly seeking around €30 million for the striker, according to sources within the Italian media. A sale would free up funds for Napoli to invest in other areas of the squad as they prepare for the upcoming season. This could mark the end of Lukaku’s brief but impactful stint in Naples, opening the door for a new chapter in his career.
