Lazio’s pursuit of Fluminense striker John Kennedy has become increasingly urgent after Udinese and Shakhtar Donetsk entered the race for the Brazilian forward. The 22-year-old, contracted to the Rio de Janeiro club until December 2027, has reportedly been offered to both the Serie A rivals and the Ukrainian side, complicating the Biancocelesti’s recruitment plans.
Gennaro Gattuso’s side have consistently prioritised Kennedy over domestic alternatives, with the manager favouring the 2002-born attacker ahead of options such as Roberto Piccoli and Andrea Pinamonti. This preference has remained steady in recent days, yet the arrival of fresh competition threatens to disrupt Lazio’s strategy unless they act decisively.
Valuation Stalemate
Financial negotiations currently present a hurdle. Lazio have tabled an offer in the region of €8 million, whereas Fluminense maintain a valuation closer to €12 million. While the difference is not considered insurmountable by those close to the talks, the involvement of Udinese and Shakhtar Donetsk increases pressure on the Rome club to bridge the gap promptly.
The Brazilian club, armed with the security of Kennedy’s contract running until December 2027, hold leverage in discussions and can afford to hold out for their asking price should competitive bids materialise.
Rome Appeal
Kennedy’s personal inclination appears to favour a switch to the Italian capital. Reports originating from Brazil suggest the striker is attracted by the prospect of joining Lazio and would leave final decisions regarding his future in the hands of his current employers. This sentiment offers Gattuso’s recruitment team a psychological advantage, though it remains contingent on their ability to satisfy Fluminense’s financial requirements before alternative proposals gain serious traction.
Transfer Timeline
With the window progressing, Lazio face a delicate balancing act between negotiating down the €4 million disparity and preventing Kennedy from slipping into a competitive auction. The development marks a shift from what had appeared a two-way negotiation between the player’s current club and the Serie A side.
The coming days are likely to prove decisive in determining whether the Brazilian commits to a move to Rome or entertains the alternatives now presenting themselves from Udine and Ukraine.