White smoke after Benfica and Napoli meeting for Lorenzo Lucca | OneFootball

Benfica has withdrawn from the signing of Lorenzo Lucca, dispelling doubts about the player's immediate future. The information, reported unanimously by the national sports press, confirms that the decisive meeting with Napoli did not result in the desired agreement. The club's management chose to definitively withdraw from negotiations, ending their interest in the Italian player.

Napoli's officials were demanding 37 million euros for the striker, who is also being targeted by another European giant: 2 million immediately for the loan fee and 35 million for the mandatory purchase clause at the end of the season. Benfica's board considered these financial demands too high and out of line with the market value, refusing to proceed under these terms.

Although Lorenzo Lucca's physical and technical profile greatly appealed to José Mourinho, economic rationality prevailed in the final decision. The Eagles' coach saw in the player the ideal characteristics to strengthen the attack, but Benfica will now have to quickly turn their attention to other targets on their scouting list.

Benfica turns attention to other targets

Clayton, Rio Ave's striker, was also one of the names referenced by Benfica, but the situation has become quite complicated. Negotiations for André Luiz are not easy, and the deadlock with the Vila do Conde club could keep the Brazilian striker away from the Estádio da Luz, forcing urgent new scouting efforts.

This season, playing for Napoli, Lorenzo Lucca — valued at 25 million euros — has played 21 official matches: 15 in Serie A, four in the Champions League, one in the Super Cup, and one in the Italian Cup. In the 584 minutes played, the striker, who has a contract valid until June 2028, scored two goals.

This article was translated into English by Artificial Intelligence. You can read the original version in 🇵🇹 here.