Atlanta United step forward for unwanted Napoli striker Lukaku
Quick summary
MLS side Atlanta United have expressed interest in signing Romelu Lukaku from Napoli, where the Belgian striker is not in coach Antonio Conte's plans.
Full article
Attributed to original sourceRomelu 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.
MLS interest in Napoli’s Lukaku Lukaku is into the final year of his contract with Napoli having joined on a three-year deal from Chelsea during the summer of 2024. He went on to play a major role on 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’.
VERONA, ITALY – FEBRUARY 28: Romelu Lukaku of SSC Napoli celebrates after scoring his team second goal during the Serie A match between Hellas Verona FC and SSC Napoli at Stadio Marcantonio Bentegodi on February 28, 2026 in Verona, Italy. (Photo by Alessandro Sabattini/Getty Images) 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.
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What happened
Romelu Lukaku, who joined Napoli from Chelsea in 2024, is deemed surplus to requirements by manager Antonio Conte and is free to leave. Serie A clubs are reportedly cautious about the financial terms of a deal, leaving the door open for Atlanta United of MLS to make an approach. The Italian press indicates Atlanta have stepped forward as a concrete suitor. Lukaku is open to a move to MLS, though no agreement has been reached yet.
Chance analysis
Lukaku's Napoli career appears over after just one season, with Conte clearly not counting on him. A move to Atlanta would be a significant downgrade in competitive level but offers a clean exit for all parties. From a prediction standpoint, this has minimal near-term impact on European football but signals Napoli's intent to reshape their attacking line, potentially freeing up resources and squad space for a replacement.
Napalo loses a high-profile but unwanted striker, potentially clearing a squad spot and wage bill; Atlanta gain a marquee signing if completed.
Lukaku is unavailable for Napoli; treat him as not part of Conte's plans going forward and factor in potential attacking reinforcements for Napoli in upcoming windows.