Romelu Lukaku Reminds the World of His Striking Prowess in Stunning Napoli Debut

Romelu Lukaku wasted no time in making his mark at Napoli, reasserting his status as one of football's most efficient strikers. In just 30 minutes of his debut, the Belgian found the back of the net, setting the stage for a dramatic comeback and reminding everyone why he’s still a force to be reckoned with.

Lukaku's move to Naples, finalized on Thursday in a £30 million deal, reunites him with Antonio Conte, the manager under whom he enjoyed two successful seasons at Inter Milan. Although Lukaku began Saturday’s Serie A clash with Parma on the bench, the 31-year-old striker was called into action just after the hour mark, with Napoli trailing 1-0.

It didn’t take long for Lukaku to make an impact. With a deft first touch in the penalty area, he unleashed a vicious left-footed strike that left the goalkeeper with no chance. This goal not only showcased his sharpness but also galvanized his new team. Former Fulham midfielder André-Frank Zambo Anguissa sealed the victory with a last-minute winner, giving Napoli their second win in three matches.

Lukaku’s swift impact is a testament to his undeniable talent, but his path to Napoli has been anything but straightforward. The summer was filled with speculation about his future, particularly after he was relegated to Chelsea’s 'bomb squad,' a group of players excluded from the club’s first-team plans. Despite joining Chelsea in 2021 for a staggering £97.5 million, Lukaku spent the last two seasons on loan at Inter Milan and Roma, indicating that his future at Stamford Bridge was in doubt.

With his last appearance for Chelsea dating back to May 2022, it was clear that Lukaku was no longer in the club’s plans. However, his significant weekly wages of £325,000 posed a challenge for any potential buyers. Yet, Napoli, in dire need of attacking reinforcements, seized the opportunity, much to the delight of Conte, who knows firsthand what Lukaku brings to the table.

Read also: Raheem Sterling Joins Arsenal on a Season-Long Loan from Chelsea.

At Napoli, Lukaku joins forces with a mix of familiar and new faces. Alongside Anguissa, Lukaku will also team up with former Manchester United midfielder Scott McTominay, who completed a £25 million move to Naples on deadline day. Erik ten Hag, Manchester United’s manager, expressed disappointment at losing McTominay, highlighting the player’s value on the pitch.

However, one notable absentee from Napoli’s squad is Victor Osimhen, the prolific striker who was surprisingly excluded from the club's Serie A roster. This development sparked a flurry of last-minute transfer negotiations. Chelsea delegates were in Naples until the final moments of the transfer window, trying to secure a loan deal for Osimhen with an obligation to buy. However, the deal fell through due to disagreements over personal terms.

Meanwhile, Saudi Arabian side Al Ahli, who had been heavily linked with Osimhen, shifted their focus to Brentford's Ivan Toney, securing the striker for £40 million after initially agreeing to terms with Osimhen. Reports suggest that Napoli had accepted a £67 million bid from Al Ahli, who offered Osimhen a four-year deal worth £135 million in wages and bonuses. Chelsea, constrained by Profit and Sustainability regulations, were unwilling to match the lucrative terms offered by the Saudi Pro League.

Lukaku’s debut at Napoli has already hinted at a promising chapter in his career. With Conte’s guidance and a strong squad around him, the Belgian striker is poised to reassert himself as one of Europe’s most lethal forwards, leaving the football world eagerly anticipating what comes next.