Napoli Transfer Market: Leao Puts the Azzurri in a Bind, but Atalanta Could Resolve the Jesus Situation
“Either choose me or choose him,” sang Los Marineros at Sanremo. They chose him. Rafa Leão’s transfer to Galatasaray has also had indirect consequences for Napoli’s transfer plans. The Portuguese player’s arrival in Istanbul has, in fact, reduced the chances of Noa Lang returning to Turkey, as he would have welcomed the opportunity to once again wear the Turkish club’s jersey following his four-month stint there last season.
Barring any last-minute changes during the final hours of the transfer window, the Dutch player is therefore set to remain at Napoli and try to earn his spot. Staying on could still prove useful, given the need to have several alternatives available. Furthermore, on the left flank, Allegri has few natural wingers to rely on, and aside from Alisson Santos, he doesn’t have many specific options for that position.
Meanwhile, time is quickly running out to find a new home for Lang. The transfer window closes on Tuesday, and so far no club has emerged that is willing to meet both Napoli’s and the player’s demands. The Azzurri’s priority remains a permanent transfer, thus ruling out a simple loan deal. Only a temporary solution accompanied by a subsequent mandatory buyout clause might be considered.
Atalanta remains among the clubs still interested, but the proposal put forward by the Bergamo-based club and sporting director Giuntoli has failed to convince the Neapolitan club. The idea would be to structure the deal as a loan with an option to buy, a formula that Napoli has so far been unwilling to accept.
As time goes on, this situation risks having consequences for incoming transfers as well. The possibility of signing Gabriel Jesus is, in fact, becoming increasingly complicated. The Brazilian forward, who is not part of Arsenal’s plans, continues to wait for a solution regarding his future, but without Lang’s departure to Napoli, it becomes difficult to create the necessary conditions to make a move.
