Lukaku Poised To Leave Napoli As Atlanta United Opens Talks

Napoli is holding firm on roughly €10 million to avoid a capital loss while a sale would remove the striker’s about €11 million gross annual wage.

Overview

This week the split between Romelu Lukaku and Napoli hardened when he missed the club’s Castel di Sangro pre-season camp, a move reported as signaling an exit this transfer window.
Napoli president Aurelio De Laurentiis has set a firm valuation of about €10 million, saying the fee is needed so the club does not record a capital loss on the deal.
Atlanta United and Major League Soccer have opened contact with Lukaku’s representatives, and the player is reported to be receptive if the offer meets Napoli’s price and gives him a leading role.
The club’s long-term plan has put Rasmus Hojlund ahead of Lukaku in the pecking order, and Lukaku’s season of injury and spells training away from Naples weakened his standing.
Talks are ongoing and any transfer hinges on Napoli accepting an offer; a sale would cut Napoli’s wage bill and confirm Hojlund as the club’s primary striker while offering Lukaku a reset in MLS if terms are met.