What changed
2026-08-01 12:34 UTC → 2026-08-02 14:52 UTC ·
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By early July 2026 Napoli were shaping the continue to shape their 2026/27 squad, launching centenary celebrations and operating squad under Massimiliano Allegri’s three‑year contract that runs to 30 June 2029. A pre‑season camp was set for 13 July and director of sport Giovanni Manna warned that Allegri while celebrating the club’s centenary. The club’s wage bill remains a concern: striker Romelu Lukaku, forward Lorenzo Lucca and midfielder Pasquale Mazzocchi must be sold to fund a €30 million target on 20‑year‑old American forward Ricardo Pepi. Lukaku’s future remained uncertain. Turkish clubs Fenerbahçe and Beşiktaş had floated offers near €10 million, while New York City FC were monitoring him. Napoli labelled his €8 million annual salary a burden and explored a two‑year renewal that would spread his €11 million gross wage, cutting the yearly cost annual salary, has rejected proposals to about €4.5 million and setting a transfer price of €8‑10 million. No buyer emerged cut his pay and the forward market stayed blocked after the World Cup. On 24 July agent Federico Pastorello told Sky Sport that Lukaku will not accept refuses a secondary backup role behind new signing Rasmus Højlund, insisting he Højlund. Management, led by owner Aurelio De Laurentis, is “an extraordinary player” exploring a sale to relieve the financial load, with Saudi clubs, MLS sides and will not stay other markets mentioned as a backup. Napoli possible destinations. Atlanta United has kept emerged as the most concrete MLS suitor, reportedly ready to meet a minimum €10 million transfer fee of roughly €15 million, offered no salary reduction, and offer Lukaku roughly €8 million gross per season. The Belgian forward, who made only floated a possible biennial deal five league appearances in 2025‑26 due to spread his cost. Juventus remains a speculative suitor; no concrete offer injuries, has materialised. A week later Pastorello warned Lukaku would leave Napoli if reduced indicated openness to an American move and posted a substitute for newly‑signed Danish forward Højlund. The club’s sporting director reiterated training video on Instagram that Lukaku’s status must be resolved before pursuing other targets such as Højlund or Dusan Vlahović, leaving the striker’s departure still uncertain. On 31 July drew positive fan reaction. Meanwhile, Napoli confirmed have secured a long‑term contract for Uruguayan left‑back Mathías Olivera, extending his deal to 2030, Olivera until 2030 and have set a €25 million price tag for Dutch winger Noa Lang, who may be allowed to leave.