Benvenuto Rasmus

Reinforcements were promised to Antonio Conte so that he would stay on Napoli’s bench, and the club has largely fulfilled the Italian coach’s demands. Napoli have already brought in seven signings so far across all areas of the team, and today they will finalize their eighth and ninth. A tenth is expected before the transfer window closes on Monday. After difficult negotiations, the Neapolitans reached an agreement with Manchester United and Rasmus Hojlund. The Danish striker (22) is returning to Italy, where in the 2022/23 season he was prolific in Atalanta’s shirt, earning himself a 77,800,000 euros transfer to Manchester United. There, he failed to shine or justify the fee, and this July it was decided he was surplus to requirements. Although Milan also called, Napoli were more convincing in negotiations, offering him better financial and sporting conditions.

Napoli show their hand and moving in for Hojlund

After Romelu Lukaku’s injury, Napoli urgently needed to enter the market in search of a centre-forward, and out of many offered players they chose Hojlund. The deal is a loan worth 5,000,000 with a purchase option of 37,000,000 euros. However, United insisted on a mandatory purchase clause and very likely succeeded. Although Napoli wanted Hojlund’s number of appearances or goals scored to trigger the mandatory buy, United secured a better deal: if Napoli qualify for the Champions League next season, the buy will be automatic. A fairly realistic scenario. Hojlund arrives in Italy today, will immediately undergo medical exams, and is expected to be presented to fans at the “Maradona” stadium before the match against Cagliari. At Napoli, he will earn double his United salary (4,500,000 net per season).

Eljif Elmas has also already arrived in Italy and should likewise be unveiled tomorrow as a new signing. The Macedonian returns to Napoli after leaving a year and a half ago for Leipzig in a 24,000,000 euros deal. Napoli have agreed a loan worth 2,000,000 with a purchase option for 17,000,000. He was a specific request of Antonio Conte since he can cover multiple positions, knows the environment, and is expected to mostly play on the wing, though he will surely get minutes in midfield as well. He spent last half-season on loan at Torino, who also wanted him back. This is probably not the end of Napoli’s shopping. By Monday, the club will try to complete the signing of Sevilla’s right-back Juanlu Sanchez, a player they’ve been negotiating for months. They don’t intend to go above 17,000,000, and Sevilla could give in since they need cash and are already working on a cheaper replacement for that role. Napoli also had the idea to take Kobbie Mainoo on loan from Manchester United, as the player wants to leave Old Trafford, but the English club this morning vetoed his departure.

SERIE A - MATCHDAY 2

Friday

18.30: (2.40) Cremonese (3.30) Sassuolo (3.00)

20.45: (5.00) Lecce (3.50) Milan (1.75)

Saturday

18.30: (2.50) Bologna (3.15) Como (3.00)

18.30: (3.60) Parma (3.45) Atalanta (2.05)

20.45: (1.35) Napoli (4.90) Cagliari (9.50)

20.45: (5.00) Pisa (3.50) Roma (1.75)

Sunday

18.30: (4.20) Genoa (3.35) Juventus (1.95)

18.30: (3.05) Torino (3.15) Fiorentina (2.45)

20.45: (1.35) Inter (4.90) Udinese (9.50)

20.45: (1.50) Lazio (4.20) Verona (6.75)

***odds are subject to change***