Atlanta United Shows Interest in Unwanted Napoli Striker Lukaku

Romelu Lukaku is unlikely to feature in Massimiliano Allegri's plans at Napoli. Recent news indicates that MLS club Atlanta United has expressed interest in signing Belgium's all-time leading scorer.

MLS Interest in Napoli's Lukaku

Lukaku is in the final year of his contract with Napoli, having joined on a three-year deal from Chelsea in the summer of 2024. He played a significant role in Napoli's 2024-25 Scudetto victory but was hampered by injuries during the 2025-26 campaign, making only five league appearances.

The 33-year-old is no longer a guaranteed starter at the Stadio Maradona, especially with Rasmus Hojlund now in contention. His agent has recently stated that the Belgian "isn’t the kind of person who stays where he’s not wanted."

According to reports from Belgian expert Sacha Tavolieri, Atlanta United is "pushing hard" to sign Lukaku from Napoli this summer. Discussions between the parties are reportedly underway, and Lukaku has allegedly given his approval for a move away from Napoli. However, negotiations are still in their early stages.

Other reports suggest that Napoli would be willing to consider offers around €10 million for Lukaku this summer. The primary challenge for potential buyers may be the player's salary, which is reportedly around €8 million per season in gross wages.

English Translation:

Romelu Lukaku is unlikely to be part of the Napoli project under new head coach Massimiliano Allegri, and the latest reports indicate that MLS side Atlanta United are interested in picking up Belgium’s all-time record goalscorer. Lukaku is in the final year of his contract with Napoli, having joined on a three-year deal from Chelsea in the summer of 2024. He played a major role in Napoli’s route to the 2024-25 Scudetto but was limited to just five league appearances in an injury-ridden campaign in 2025-26. The 33-year-old is no longer a guaranteed starter at the Stadio Maradona, particularly with Rasmus Hojlund in the equation, and his agent has recently made it clear that the Belgian “isn’t the kind of person who stays where he’s not wanted.” Now, according to reports from Belgian expert Sacha Tavolieri, MLS side Atlanta United are ‘pushing hard’ in an attempt to sign Lukaku from Napoli this summer. Talks between the relevant parties are reportedly already underway, and Lukaku has supposedly given his approval to a move away from Napoli this summer, but at this stage, negotiations are still at an ‘early stage’. Reports elsewhere indicate that Napoli will be willing to entertain offers in the region of €10m for Lukaku this summer. The bigger issue for buying clubs is the player’s salary, which reportedly stands at around €8m per season in gross wages.