5 Players Who Could Leave Napoli This Summer & Where They Could End Up
By Josh Sim
All good things must come to an end, or so the old saying goes.
And after enjoying a successful period of being Italy's best challenger to the mighty Juventus, it appears that Napoli are heading for a summer of major change - with many of their stars likely to depart when the transfer window opens up.
It's been a strange season for Gli Azzurri, who parted ways with Carlo Ancelotti back in December and have had a disappointing league season by their standards. And despite their recent Coppa Italia win, manager Gennaro Gattuso is already preparing to have a vastly different group of players next season.
“We have to see who's going to leave us. Our chairman knows it – we speak about it every week. This is a strong team but I think that only 70-80% of the players will stay with us," he admitted recently, as quoted by the Mirror.
So who could be the 10-20% that depart southern Italy this summer? Here's a list of players who could be leaving Napoli at the end of the season, accompanied with potential fees and suitors...
Kalidou Koulibaly
Few knew who Kalidou Koulibaly was when he first joined Napoli from Belgian side KRC Genk in 2014. It's fair to say everybody knows who he is now.
The Senegal international has developed into one of the best defenders in the world and has been a key part of their success in the 2010s. But after six years, it appears he's looking for a new challenge - and has decided to depart at the end of the season, with 90min being informed that Napoli have recently lowered their price.
At 28, the centre-back has plenty to give his future team, and is the commanding presence that clubs clamour for in their backline. He doesn't look like he'll lose his speed and strength any time soon, while his excellent on-ball skills make him the complete defender.
Estimated Price: £75m
Suitors: Manchester United, Chelsea, Manchester City, PSG
Arkadiusz Milik
Milik has had a pretty unfortunate time in Naples, having injured his ACL twice during his four years there. Consequently, he hasn't been able to play as much as he would have liked.
And while the club would be reluctant to part ways with the Polish star, they have yet to agree an extension to his current deal, which expires this summer. As a result, a move elsewhere is certainly on the cards, with multiple Premier League clubs linked to signing the forward.
When fit and firing, the 26-year-old is deadly in front of goal and can score from just about anywhere. Versatile enough to play on the wing as well as upfront, he'd be quite the signing for any interested clubs.
Estimated Price: £40m
Suitors: Arsenal, Tottenham, Everton, Juventus
Hirving Lozano
Having impressed at the 2016 World Cup for Mexico, many predicted Lozano would be a star of the future - and he was seen as a great signing for Napoli in 2019. Yet since Gattuso has taken charge, he has seen little game time and could see his time at Gli Azzurri come to an end after just one season.
Typically played as a right-winger, the 24-year-old tends to cut inside on his favoured left foot to create chances for his teammates. He's a fine crosser of the ball, too, and can be relied upon to work hard on the defensive end as well.
While there's plenty for him to work on, Lozano still has the potential to become a world-class player.
Estimated Price: £30m
Suitors: Newcastle United, West Ham, Wolves, Everton
Fabián Ruiz
Since leaving Real Betis in 2018, Ruiz has made a name for himself as a versatile central midfielder who can play in both an advanced or withdrawn role. His passing skills are immaculate, as well as his dribbling abilities, and that's helped the Spaniard impress many in his homeland, earning him six international caps in the process.
Yet on the back of Gli Azzurri's disappointing Serie A season, the 23-year-old has elected to hold off any talks concerning a contract renewal for the end of the campaign. And should he decide his future lies elsewhere, there will not be a shortage of clubs interested in his signature.
Estimated Price: £35m
Suitors: Real Madrid, Barcelona, Liverpool
Allan
Another integral part of Napoli's midfield, Allan has been a key part of Napoli's title challenges in the last decade - with his energy and ball-winning abilities a staple of his game. He's also able to play all across the midfield, which will be enticing to clubs looking to lure him away from southern Italy.
The 29-year-old would certainly bolster most teams' midfield depth and given his relationship with the club appears to have broken down, it appears he too will be headed elsewhere come the season's end.
Estimated Price: £30m
Suitors: Everton, Atlético Madrid