Romelu Lukaku’s agent rejects backup role at Napoli as transfer saga heats up

Romelu Lukaku’s agent has publicly rejected the idea that the Belgian striker will accept a backup role at Napoli behind Rasmus Højlund, setting the stage for a summer transfer saga that could ripple through the growing intersection of football finance, fan tokens, and sports-linked digital assets. Lukaku remains under contract with Napoli until June 2027, but that piece of paper is looking more like a suggestion than a commitment at this point. The standoff in Naples Højlund arrived at Napoli in 2025 on loan from Manchester United, initially brought in to cover for Lukaku during a significant injury that sidelined the Belgian for roughly four months. What was meant to be a temporary arrangement has apparently evolved into something more permanent in Napoli’s tactical planning. Lukaku’s agent isn’t having it. The message is clear: his client won’t play second fiddle to the younger Dane. Højlund himself had struck a more diplomatic tone, publicly expressing interest in building an attacking partnership with Lukaku once the veteran returned from injury. Lukaku had previously indicated his intention to honor the final year of his deal and stay at Napoli. Napoli’s sporting director has...