Besiktas Pursue Romelu Lukaku: Talks with Napoli Hit Snag Over €5m Price Gap

FolioPitch.com – 10 July 2026 | Besiktas start Lukaku talks with Napoli but offer half 10m asking price as the Turkish giants look to secure the Belgium striker for new coach Vincenzo Italiano. According to reports from Turkey, the Istanbul club has initiated contact with Napoli and the player’s representatives, with Lukaku open to leaving the Serie A side after a difficult season. However, the major stumbling block remains the transfer fee: Napoli are demanding €10m, while Besiktas are aiming for €5m.

The 33-year-old former Chelsea and Manchester United forward endured a frustrating 2025-26 campaign under Antonio Conte, but still managed 15 goals and 11 assists in 45 appearances. However, his relationship with Napoli’s hierarchy soured after he controversially chose to return to Belgium for treatment ahead of the World Cup, missing crucial matches. With only one year left on his contract, Napoli are keen to sell rather than lose him for free next summer.

Besiktas start Lukaku talks with Napoli but offer half 10m asking price, and they are hoping that Lukaku’s desire to revive his career in the Turkish Super Lig will persuade Napoli to lower their demands. The Black Eagles have already reviewed the latest fitness reports on Lukaku, who spent extended periods on the sidelines with hamstring and ankle problems, and believe he can still deliver at a high level.

Italiano, who took over at Besiktas in June, sees Lukaku as the perfect target man to lead his attack. The Belgian’s physicality and experience in European competitions are exactly what the club needs as they aim to challenge for the title and make an impact in the Europa League. Besiktas have a history of signing established stars, including Mario Gomez, Robin van Persie, and more recently, Cenk Tosun, and Lukaku fits the profile.

Napoli, under new coach Max Allegri, have been open to offers for Lukaku since the start of the transfer window. However, they have so far rejected loan proposals and want a permanent deal. Besiktas start Lukaku talks with Napoli but offer half 10m asking price, and it remains to be seen whether a compromise can be reached. The Italian club may need to accept a lower fee to offload the player’s wages, reported to be around €6m net per season.

Lukaku has not played for Belgium since the 2026 World Cup, where he scored four goals in the round of 16 win over the USA. He remains a national hero, but his club future is uncertain. A move to Turkey would represent a significant step down from the top European leagues, but it would guarantee him regular playing time and a central role. Besiktas fans have already expressed excitement on social media, hoping the club can pull off the transfer.

The transfer window closes at the end of August, so both clubs have time to negotiate. However, with the season starting in a few weeks, Besiktas want to finalize their squad early. Besiktas start Lukaku talks with Napoli but offer half 10m asking price, and they are expected to make a formal bid in the coming days. If Napoli hold firm, Besiktas may need to increase their offer or explore other targets, such as Wout Weghorst or Michy Batshuayi.

In conclusion, the saga of Romelu Lukaku‘s potential move to Besiktas hinges on the fee. The Turkish side believe that €5m is a fair price for a 33-year-old with a history of injuries, while Napoli are holding out for €10m. With both parties engaged in talks, a compromise around €7-8m could be the solution. Besiktas are confident they can convince Napoli to sell, and Lukaku is reportedly tempted by the prospect of a fresh start in Istanbul. The next few weeks will be crucial in determining whether the Belgian international will be wearing the black and white stripes next season.