Lazio Step Up Pursuit of Fluminense Star John Kennedy with €8 Million Bid

FolioPitch.com – 16 July 2026 | In a move that signals their intent to address a glaring weakness, Serie A side Lazio have made an opening bid for Fluminense attacker John Kennedy, with the figures now revealed. The Italian club, desperate for a reliable goal-scorer after a dismal 41-goal campaign in the league, have placed €8 million on the table. However, the Brazilian club is holding out for €12 million, setting the stage for negotiations.

The Lazio Make Opening Bid for Fluminense Attacker Figures Revealed story broke on Wednesday, with the 23-year-old Kennedy emerging as a prime target for coach Gennaro Gattuso. Despite his modest 173 cm frame, Kennedy has netted 14 goals and provided two assists in 35 appearances this season, making him an attractive prospect for a team that failed to see any player surpass five goals across all competitions last term.

According to well-placed sources, including Italian journalist Gianluca Di Marzio, Lazio’s initial offer of €8 million was swiftly rejected by Fluminense, who have set a €12 million asking price. The gap is significant, but Lazio are optimistic they can bridge it, especially given that Kennedy’s contract expires in December 2027—less than 18 months away. This leverage could prove crucial as the club looks to secure a much-needed attacking reinforcement.

The Lazio Make Opening Bid for Fluminense Attacker Figures Revealed development comes amid a broader summer overhaul under Gattuso, who has prioritized signing a new center-forward and shoring up a defense depleted by the exits of Mario Gila and Alessio Romagnoli. Kennedy, primarily a No.9 despite his stature, fits the bill perfectly. Interestingly, he shares agents with former Lazio star Felipe Anderson, who left the club on good terms in 2024, potentially smoothing negotiations.

However, history warns of caution. Lazio’s sporting director Claudio Lotito and chief Angelo Fabiani have previously missed out on targets like Jonathan Asp Jensen after failing to match asking prices. Jensen, despite wanting to join Lazio, was sold to Deportivo La Coruña by Bayern Munich for a better offer. Similarly, defender Sergi Dominguez remains a target, but Dinamo Zagreb’s €15 million demand has so far proven too steep.

The Lazio Make Opening Bid for Fluminense Attacker Figures Revealed situation thus mirrors these earlier sagas. If Lazio cannot raise their offer or convince Fluminense to lower the price, they risk losing Kennedy to another suitor. For now, the Aquile are confident they can whittle down the fee, but time will tell if they succeed where they have recently failed.

Kennedy’s arrival would provide a much-needed spark to an attack that ranked among Serie A’s least prolific. His 14-goal haul in Brazil’s competitive league system demonstrates his ability to finish, and at 23, he has room to grow. Lazio fans will hope the club can finalize a deal swiftly, avoiding the disappointment of previous transfer windows.

In conclusion, Lazio’s opening bid for John Kennedy marks a clear step in their quest for a top striker. The figures revealed show an initial €8 million offer has been rejected, but with contract leverage and agent connections, there is reason for optimism. However, the club must learn from past failures to meet valuations or risk another missed opportunity. The coming days will be critical as Lazio attempt to turn this bid into a signed deal and end their goal-scoring woes.