Romelu Lukaku's time at Napoli appears to be over following a significant breakdown in his relationship with manager Antonio Conte, according to reports in Italy. The 32-year-old striker, who has not played for the club since early March, is now considered surplus to requirements and is expected to depart this summer after a season marred by injury and disciplinary issues.
The rift reportedly stems from Lukaku's decision to travel to Belgium for private treatment on a hip problem during the recent international break, ignoring repeated orders from the club to return to Italy. Napoli fined the player and issued public statements demanding his return, with communication occurring only through his agent. Upon his eventual return, he was immediately axed from the squad. Conte, who has been a key mentor throughout Lukaku's career, expressed his disappointment publicly, stating he had expected some form of communication from the player and that no one had made an effort to "understand the coach."
The situation marks a dramatic fall from grace for a partnership that delivered the Serie A title just last season. Conte, who previously worked with Lukaku at Inter, was instrumental in bringing the Belgian to Naples in 2024. Their emotional embrace after securing the Scudetto was a defining image of that campaign. Lukaku scored 14 league goals in 36 appearances during that title-winning season.
This season, however, has been defined by misfortune and conflict. Lukaku suffered a devastating hamstring injury in pre-season, sidelining him until January and limiting him to just seven appearances. His absence prompted Napoli to secure the loan signing of Rasmus Hojlund from Manchester United, a deal that will become permanent this summer, effectively rendering Lukaku expendable. Journalist Massimo Brambati, commenting on the fallout, branded Lukaku "ungrateful" for his conduct towards Conte, noting the manager's crucial role in reviving the striker's career at Inter and facilitating his subsequent big-money move to Chelsea.
The off-field drama has coincided with Napoli's surrender of the Serie A title to Inter, a process sealed over the weekend. With Hojlund established as the forward for the future and Lukaku's relationship with the club and its manager fractured beyond repair, a summer exit is now inevitable. The episode concludes a brief but turbulent Naples chapter for the veteran striker, leaving his next destination uncertain.
