Manchester United and Napoli have built a closer relationship in recent years, with Antonio Conte frequently looking to Old Trafford for new players.
In the summer of 2024, Napoli signed Scott McTominay, who went on to excel in Serie A, earning the title of league MVP and Player of the Year in his first season.
Last summer, a deal was made for Rasmus Hojlund to join Conte’s team on loan, with an option to buy that has now been confirmed.
Napoli is eager to finalize Hojlund’s transfer for the agreed sum of £38 million this summer after paying £5 million for his loan, especially since they qualified for the Champions League.
However, another striker at Napoli, former Manchester United player Romelu Lukaku, is now causing some trouble.
According to Gazzetta, Napoli is frustrated with Lukaku, who is not attending training.
As the international break begins, many players take the chance to relax and visit family, and Lukaku has chosen to go from Naples to Brussels to spend time with his mother and children.
Napoli has asked him to return for training, but he is refusing.
Lukaku has communicated to the club that he will not return to Castel Volturno for the last two training sessions of the week.
He believes staying in Belgium and skipping training will aid his recovery, helping him be ready for the end of the season and the upcoming World Cup.
Vincent Mannaert, Belgium’s national team technical director, commented, “Lukaku carefully weighed what would be best for the remainder of his season.”
He added, “Considering the required travel, he logically decided that continuing training at such a high intensity wasn’t ideal.”
“The good news is that he has no health issues. It’s about finding the best way to prepare for the final months: both for Napoli’s season conclusion and the World Cup.”
“It was a tough choice, but it was his to make. We trust in Romelu’s understanding of his body and his desire to compete in the World Cup.”
While the Belgian side shows understanding, Napoli has yet to make a public statement about the situation.