Napoli market, blowback (with obstacle) for a summer target

Napoli, which had already probed the ground for Kevin Schade during the summer market, could return to the charge in January. The German outfielder’s profile has long appealed to the Azzurri management, which considers him ideal for adding speed, dribbling and depth to the attack and which knows it cannot dispose of Kevin De Bruyne for long.

Now, however, the interest of Atletico Madrid, which has begun to follow him closely in recent weeks, has also turned on him. Schade, 23, is making a name for himself in the Premier League with Brentford thanks to his explosiveness, change of pace and ability to create numerical superiority, attracting the interest of multiple European clubs.

The club’s

The Biancorosso club sees in him an element compatible with Simeone’s playing philosophy of high pressure, quick transitions and intensity on the flanks. Napoli, however, remains in the game: it knows the player, has already made technical evaluations on him in the summer and could take advantage of the January window to move before the Spaniards.

Brentford, for its part, has no urgency to sell: Schade, formerly of Freiburg, has a contract until 2028 and the London club considers him an important asset. The valuation is around 30 million euros, a figure not out of reach for interested clubs, but one that will require decisive negotiation.

While Atletico can count on the lure of La Liga and the Simeone project, Napoli could play the card of minute playing time and a central role in Antonio Conte’s technical project.

At the moment it is only interest and monitoring, but the duel between Napoli and Atletico for Kevin Schade could ignite very soon.