Lukaku Poised to Leave Napoli as Atlanta United Opens MLS Talks
Napoli’s insistence on a roughly €10 million fee to avoid a capital loss puts pressure on MLS suitors to meet the club’s price in a tight transfer window.
Overview
- Sources report Atlanta United have opened discreet contact with Romelu Lukaku’s representatives to explore a summer move to Major League Soccer.
- Napoli is holding out for about €10 million for Lukaku so the club does not register a capital loss on the transfer, with president Aurelio De Laurentiis described as firm on valuation.
- Lukaku is reportedly not fully fit, has been training alone, and has a wage of roughly €11 million gross per year, factors that narrow likely suitors and complicate personal-term talks.
- The club has shifted its attacking plan around younger signing Rasmus Højlund, meaning Lukaku is surplus to Napoli’s first-choice plans and the sale would free significant wage room.
- A completed move depends on a buyer meeting Napoli’s fee and Lukaku agreeing personal terms, with the pre-season period creating a short window for negotiations.