Romelu Lukaku attracting MLS interest through Atlanta United as Napoli await return | OneFootball

As reported by La Gazzetta dello Sport, Romelu Lukaku could return to the US for good after summer exploits with Belgium at the World Cup.

Despite getting on the score sheet for De Rode Duivels, Lukaku is still not fully fit and is again training on his own. He is expected to join Napoli during pre-season, though he is not expected to be Max Allegri’s starting forward and may very well leave in this window.

After a promising debut campaign that saw him help the Partenopei win the Scudetto, Lukaku had a second season to forget, one that was riddled with injuries and culminated into a stand-off with the club towards the end as he remained in Belgium to train on his own instead in Naples.

Lukaku’s wage, which La Gazzetta puts at €11 million per year, is now deemed exorbitant by Aurelio De Laurentiis and Co, and they need to generate a little over €10 million is transfer fee through the veteran Belgian’s sale to avoid a capital loss.

Atlanta United of Major League Soccer are monitoring the situation. Lukaku has been linked with a move to MLS before, though this time it may actually happen.

It’s time to leave

Throughout his career, Lukaku has excelled everywhere he has been, but he has hardly been anywhere for long. Last season feels like a gap year, but he has been on Napoli’s books for two years now, making a potential exit timely.

His wages are high, and Napoli need to plan ahead, especially as they’re planning with Rasmus Højlund and will want to bring someone new alongside him.

Even if he doesn’t move to Atlanta, it is likely Lukaku leaves Napoli this summer.

Anshuman Joshi | GIFN