Lukaku’s two‑year Turkish stint stalls Anderlecht hopes

Romelu Lukaku, 33, has confirmed that he will spend the next two seasons with Fenerbahçe before returning to Anderlecht in 2028, a timeline that gives the Belgian club’s supporters a maximum of two more years of patience.

Anderlecht‑supporters have already voiced a limited window of tolerance, insisting that the club’s fans can wait no longer than two years for the striker’s homecoming.

Lukaku outlines two‑year stay

Speaking after his debut against Lyon, Lukaku said, “I have signed here (at Fenerbahçe) for one season with an option for an extra year. Hopefully I can make it two years. Afterwards I will go back home.” He added that he will be 35 when the 2028 return materialises.

In his first appearance at the Chobani Stadium, Lukaku noted the atmosphere was “one of the few times I was really impressed, it was phenomenal,” and revealed he trained intensively with “double sessions” despite having only four days to prepare.

Motivation and future ambitions

He stressed his fitness, declaring, “I am 100 percent match‑fit, I will keep playing until 2030, also for the Rode Duivels.” Lukaku also suggested that comments made in Italy about him were intended to “boycott” him, referencing his former club Napoli.

Addressing the Turkish competition, Lukaku said it is “a sly league where it is not easy to drop points,” and warned that emotions must be kept in check, especially after the night’s match against Lyon.

National team coach Mark van Bommel is set to meet Lukaku in Istanbul, while FIFA president Gianni Infantino was mentioned in the broader context of football governance.

The contrast between the fans’ dwindling patience and Lukaku’s clear timetable underscores that Anderlecht supporters must wait until 2028 for any concrete hope of his return.