Things cool between Lukaku and Napoli, but exit remains likely

2

After a recent meeting between the two, things have somewhat cooled down between Napoli and Romelu Lukaku.

As reported by La Gazzetta dello Sport, the two parties recently met to clear the air after Lukaku refused multiple call-ups from the club, choosing instead to remain in Belgium to complete his recovery despite being deemed fit enough. Injury issues since last summer have limited the 32-year-old’s involvement with the Partenopei to just seven appearances.

In Antwerp, Lukaku’s is currently in a race against time to get fit for the World Cup. He may even be ready to return to the pitch before the end of the season, though the recent cooling-off of the tensions between him and the club have not changed the latter’s stance.

It is likely Napoli will ask Lukaku to pay a fine for his continued absence over the past month. His departure from the Maradona in the summer also remains the likelier possibility, especially with Antonio Conte’s future at the club also up in the air.

Having signed for a little over €30 million two years ago, Napoli will want to recoup some of that money if they are to let Lukaku leave. The former Chelsea man has one more year remaining on his €7.69m-per-year contract.

Anshuman Joshi | GIFN