Il Mattino: Lukaku rejects Everton and Besiktas approaches

Originally posted on Football Italia | By Lorenzo Bettoni | Last updated Jan 20, 2026 6:49 AM ET

According to Il Matino , Everton and Besiktas have sounded out Romelu Lukaku’s availability, but the Belgian striker wants to remain at Napoli until the end of the season.

Naples-based newspaper Il Mattino reports that Napoli star Lukaku has turned down two proposals to leave the Stadio Maradona this month.

Lukaku makes transfer decision amid Everton interest

The report claims that Everton and Besiktas had shown interest in the Belgian star, who, however, is unwilling to leave Napoli in the January window.

Lukaku already played for Everton from 2013 to 2017, scoring 87 goals in 166 matches.

Lukaku has yet to make his debut in 2025-26, having sustained a serious muscle injury during the pre-season.

Lukaku fully recovered after injury

CASTEL DI SANGRO, ITALY – AUGUST 14: Romelu Lukaku of Napoli lies on the pitch after being injured during the pre-season friendly match between Napoli and Olympiacos at Stadio Teofilo Patini on August 14, 2025 in Castel di Sangro, Italy. (Photo by Giuseppe Bellini/Getty Images)

The Belgian’s return to action, however, is just around the corner as Lukaku is part of the Napoli squad that will visit Copenhagen in the Champions League Round 7 tonight.

Napoli are expected to make some changes in their attacking department this month as they are preparing to offload Lorenzo Lucca and Noa Lang to sign a new centre-forward and a new winger.

This article first appeared on Football Italia and was syndicated with permission.

More must-reads: