Napoli have already spent approximately €70 million this transfer window, not on new acquisitions, but on fulfilling previously agreed payments for existing players, according to reports in Italy. The club has settled outstanding debts related to the transfers of Alisson Santos, Rasmus Hojlund, and Lorenzo Lucca.
The most significant outlay was the completion of Rasmus Hojlund’s transfer from Manchester United, which ultimately cost the club €50 million due to an initial loan arrangement and subsequent obligation to buy following an injury to Romelu Lukaku. Six million euros had already been sent to the English club, with a further €44 million deposited recently. The Danish striker joined Napoli as a solution to their attacking needs, becoming a key part of their forward line.
Alisson Santos’s move from Sporting Lisbon was also finalized, with Napoli paying an additional €16.5 million on top of the initial €3 million loan fee, securing the Brazilian for another five years. The club also settled a deal with Giampaolo Pozzo for Lorenzo Lucca, paying an initial €9 million followed by a further €26 million spread over three years. These staggered payments reflect a strategy of managing cash flow, but have now required a substantial outlay.
Napoli president Aurelio De Laurentiis has indicated a need to reduce the squad size, with the club currently carrying 47 players, now reduced to 46 following Turi’s move to Pineto. The club aims to offload 25 players to alleviate the wage bill and balance the books. Sporting director Manna faces the task of finding new clubs for these players, many of whom were part of the 2023 clear-out or have not met expectations in recent seasons. De Laurentiis stated the club will adopt a different market strategy this summer, focusing on sales before further significant investment.
The substantial payments made this summer have placed a strain on Napoli’s finances, necessitating a period of player sales to reshape the squad and ensure financial stability. This could impact their approach to further strengthening the team in this transfer window.
