Lazio's €8 million bid for John Kennedy draws Udinese, Shakhtar

Lazio have opened negotiations for Brazilian striker John Kennedy with an initial offer of around €8 million, while Fluminense value the 2002‑born forward at €12 million and his contract runs until December 2027; Udinese and Shakhtar Donetsk are also reported to be interested.

The Biancocelesti have identified Kennedy as the primary solution to a faltering attack, making his acquisition a top priority up front and highlighting his superior qualities in scouting reports for their attacking setup.

Gennaro Gattuso’s side consistently ranks Kennedy ahead of domestic options such as Roberto Piccoli and Andrea Pinamonti, preferring the Brazilian forward over the Italian alternatives.

Earlier reports from Brazil indicated that Kennedy himself is attracted to a move to Rome and would leave the final decision to Fluminense, aligning his personal inclination with Lazio’s strategic plans.

According to Il Messaggero, via LaLazioSiamoNoi, the striker has already been offered to Udinese in Serie A and to Shakhtar Donetsk, meaning Lazio are no longer the sole suitor and the rival interest adds a new dimension to the negotiations.

Financially, Lazio opened talks at roughly €8 million, a gap of €4 million to Fluminense’s €12 million valuation that insiders describe as bridgeable, prompting the club to act quickly to secure his signature.

The club now faces the task of outbidding or out‑maneuvering Udinese and Shakhtar, with decisive action potentially converting Kennedy’s apparent preference for Rome into a completed deal while allowing Fluminense to benefit from a higher transfer fee.

On 19 May 2026, Kennedy celebrated after scoring the second goal for Fluminense in a Copa CONMEBOL Libertadores group‑C match against Bolívar at Maracanã Stadium in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil, a moment captured by photographer Wagner Meier for Getty Images.