Lukaku Handed €150,000 Fine as Napoli Prepare for Striker’s Imminent Departure

Key Takeaways:

• Napoli imposed a €150,000 fine on Romelu Lukaku, equating to 20% of his monthly gross wage, following his two-week absence without club approval
• Lukaku’s summer exit has been described as inevitable with his agent, Federico Pastorello, tasked to secure a new club while he has one year left on his contract
• The striker has only managed one goal in seven outings this season, all from substitute appearances, after returning from an early-season muscle injury

Lukaku Disciplined for Absence from Club Duties

Romelu Lukaku has been sanctioned by Napoli with a sizeable €150,000 fine, which amounts to 20% of his gross monthly salary, after he spent over two weeks away from the club without official permission. The punishment follows his temporary return to his hometown Antwerp before reporting back to Naples and meeting with club official Giovanni Manna on Monday. Napoli permitted Lukaku’s time away but deducted the portion of his wages corresponding to his absence, as reported by La Gazzetta dello Sport.

La Gazzetta dello Sport reports that Romelu Lukaku has received a €150,000 fine from Napoli, equivalent to 20% of his gross monthly salary, as the Belgian’s summer exit appears inevitable. pic.twitter.com/YncrkiqgH0

— Football Italia (@footballitalia) April 21, 2026

Uncertain Future and Agent’s Search for New Club

The prospect of Lukaku remaining at Napoli next season has significantly diminished. Multiple sources have confirmed the likelihood of his departure during the upcoming transfer window. Lukaku’s representative, Federico Pastorello, also attended Monday’s meeting and now faces the task of finding the Belgian striker a new club, despite the player having twelve months remaining on his current deal at Stadio Maradona.

Season Hampered by Injury and Limited Impact

Lukaku, now 32 years of age, began the season on the sidelines, having sustained a severe muscle injury which ruled him out for the opening part of Napoli’s campaign. Since recovering, he has featured seven times, but all from the bench, scoring just once. Despite speculation, Lukaku did not have a meeting with Antonio Conte on Monday. The forward is targeting a return to match fitness, aiming to participate in the final three Serie A fixtures. To accelerate his recovery, he will spend the next fortnight in Belgium.