Romelu Lukaku has not reported for Napoli's pre-season training camp. The club confirmed an official agreement grants him additional days off before joining the squad. His agent, Federico Pastorello, is actively working to find a transfer solution in the current window.
Atlanta United has emerged as a leading suitor for the Belgium international. Other clubs are also expressing interest. La Gazzetta dello Sport reported Lukaku could make a permanent move to the United States.
Napoli faces a significant financial commitment with Lukaku's gross contract, valued at €11 million. Club president Aurelio De Laurentiis has a clear objective to reduce wage costs across the roster. Napoli is seeking a €10 million transfer fee for his sale.
Lukaku has no intention of accepting a backup role at Napoli, particularly behind Hojlund. Pastorello said Lukaku will not agree to a reserve position. That firm stance creates a direct conflict with Napoli's plans for its attacking lineup.
Lukaku's playing time was severely limited this season due to injury. He featured for only 64 minutes across seven competitive appearances. His first competitive outing of the campaign did not come until Jan. 25.
On Feb. 10, 2026, Lukaku missed a penalty in the Coppa Italia shootout against Como 1907 at Stadio Diego Armando Maradona.
A serious hamstring injury suffered during the club's final pre-season friendly significantly limited his availability and kept him out for much of the season's early months. He has since been training on his own, outside of team activities.
His second season with Napoli was marked by recurring injuries and a public standoff with the club. Toward the end of that campaign, Lukaku remained in Belgium to train independently rather than join the team in Naples.
That stands in contrast to his debut season, when Lukaku played a role in helping Napoli secure the Scudetto.
Despite appearing for Belgium at the World Cup, Lukaku is not fully fit and continues to train individually. He is expected to eventually join Napoli at their pre-season base in Castel di Sangro but is not anticipated to be manager Massimiliano Allegri's starting forward.
Napoli wants to complete a sale this window. Lukaku's wage structure does not align with the club's cost-cutting strategy, and interest from Atlanta United presents a viable exit path for both sides.
