Analyzing Napoli’s transfer business before the start of Serie A

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Last season’s champions Napoli have their task cut if they want to retain the title this time around but they have made some very good transfers in this window. Two winning seasons in a row are extremely are difficult but they could make it happen.

Major incomings:

– Sam Beukema, Centre-Back, From Bologna, €31m
– Noa Lang, Left Winger, From PSV Eindhoven, €25m
– Vanja Milinković-Savić, Goalkeeper, From Torino, Loan fee: €15m
– Luca Marianucci, Centre-Back, From FC Empoli, €9m
– Lorenzo Lucca, Centre-Forward, From Udinese, Loan fee: €9m
– Kevin De Bruyne, Attacking Midfield, Free transfer

Major outgoings:

– Victor Osimhen, Centre-Forward, To Galatasaray, €75m
– Natan, Centre-Back, To Real Betis, €9m
– Jesper Lindstrøm, Right Winger, To VfL Wolfsburg, Loan fee: €1.5m
– Rafa Marín, Centre-Back, To Villarreal, Loan fee: €1.00m
– Giovanni Simeone, Centre-Forward, To Torino, Loan fee: €1.00m

How have they done? :

A sensational window all in all. Beukema and Lang improve the ceiling of the squad at a reasonable price. Marianucci is one for the future and a solid prospect. Milinkovic-Savic will compete with Meret for the #1 spot. The most exciting one to watch here is definitely Lucca. He’s coming in with huge promise and is expected to push Romelu Lukaku for a starting spot. However, there has arguably been no bigger transfer in the league than Antonio Conte’s side signing Kevin De Bruyne on a free. The Belgian has left Manchester City as one of the greatest in Premier League history and even though he’s declined a little physically, he still has a lot to give. De Bruyne’s quality might just make the difference in the title race. Watch out for him creating chances for Lucca, McTominay and Lukaku.

What remains to be done? :

Napoli are almost certainly strengthening at full-back areas and they are close to signing Juanlu Sanchez and Miguel Gutierrez from Sevilla and Girona respectively. A potential move in midfield for Fabio Miretti has also been discussed. They could do with some cover for Stan Lobotka in holding midfield.

Kaulik Mitra | GIFN