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Romelu Lukaku could leave Napoli in the summer after losing a starting berth at the Diego Armando Maradona Stadium. According to the player\u2019s agent, Federico Pastorello (via Gianluca Di Marzio<\/strong>), the Belgian striker will request a transfer unless he is guaranteed a more prominent role next season.<\/span><\/p>\n Lukaku joined Napoli in 2024 and immediately helped the Partenopei win the Scudetto in his first season at the club. Worshiped by former manager Antonio Conte, he was a key figure behind Napoli\u2019s fourth-ever Serie A title, having racked up 16 goals and ten assists across 36 league appearances.<\/span><\/p>\n However, a severe muscle injury restricted the 33-year-old to just 64 minutes of football at a club level in 2025\/26. Lukaku recovered in time for Belgium\u2019s disappointing World Cup campaign, netting three goals in the tournament to help the Red Devils reach the quarter-finals.<\/span><\/p>\n Meanwhile, his contract in Naples expires next summer, and new boss Massimiliano Allegri<\/strong> seems inclined to give Rasmus Hojlund the nod ahead of the former Inter and Roma star. According to Pastorello, that would be unacceptable for a player of Lukaku\u2019s stature.<\/span><\/p>\n Asked whether Lukaku would accept playing second fiddle at Napoli, Pastorello replied: \u201cObviously not. He\u2019s an extraordinary player, and he\u2019s proved it. He\u2019s one of the most prolific strikers in the world. It\u2019s hard for us to accept a situation like that.<\/span><\/p>\n \u201cObviously there might be an initial pecking order, but ultimately it\u2019s what happens on the pitch that decides.<\/em><\/span><\/p>\n \u201cEven proposing a contract extension comes with additional costs. It\u2019s not just about the wages. Romelu has earned this level of contract because of everything he\u2019s accomplished throughout his career<\/em>,\u201d Pastorello added. \u201cRomelu isn\u2019t the kind of person who stays where he\u2019s not wanted.<\/em>\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n <\/p><\/div>\n <\/p>\n \t<\/p>\n<\/div>\nPastorello\u2019s Verdict on Napoli & Lukaku<\/strong><\/h2>\n
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