Romelu Lukaku rejects contract proposal

Romelu Lukaku has ventured across the football world since leaving Manchester United in the later stages of the 2019 summer transfer window.

The Belgian international, formerly of Everton and Chelsea, made 96 appearances for United in his time at the club, scoring 42 goals.

Notably, he was instrumental in the side’s Champions League come-back against Paris Saint Germain in 2018/19 Champions League, scoring twice in the second leg as United went through on away goals.

Since leaving Old Trafford, the forward has had spells with Inter Milan, Chelsea, Roma, and Napoli, where he currently resides.

Making 45 appearances for Napoli since signing for the club in August 2024, the forward excelled in his first season at the club (2024/25), scoring 14 goals in 36 games as Napoli won Serie A.

Last season, however, he made just seven appearances with large portions of time out injured or on the bench with Rasmus Hojlund selected over him.

Italian outlet Gazzetta have now, with this in mind, reported that Lukaku has rejected Napoli’s contract proposal to extend his contract by a further year whilst subsequently providing extra financial support.

The outlet have also reported that the respective parties involved in the situation are attempting to find a reasonable compromise with the Italian club’s valuation of the forward currently being just €10m.

Lukaku’s agent previously opened up on the situation to Sky Sport, saying: “Can Lukaku be Napoli’s second-choice player? Obviously not.

“Romelu is an extraordinary player and has proven it; he’s one of the most prolific strikers in the world. We can hardly accept a situation like this.”

With speculation increasing as news of this rejection emerges, a choice faces both Napoli and Romelu Lukaku in where to go next. That decision could be one that dictates the forward’s future and the club’s own project direction.