What wasn`t done before is happening now. When Napoli realized the path along the Via Emilia (towards Bologna for Ndoye) might be blocked, they shifted their focus, taking to the skies and heading towards Eindhoven, a location that was also on their international scouting map. Dan Ndoye, hindered by Bologna`s high asking price, won`t be the one for the wing, at least for now. However, for five months, Napoli`s sporting director, Giovanni Manna, had been captivated by Noa Lang, who recently turned 26. Manna had thoroughly scouted him but had to back off due to PSV`s reluctance. In a busy day filled with discussions, phone calls with De Laurentiis and Conte, deep evaluations, and calculations, Manna suggested a U-turn, opting for the winger who excited him most, alongside Ndoye. “Should we negotiate?” was the question.
A Familiar Target
Honestly, it seemed destined to happen for a while, especially since Lang had publicly expressed disappointment when PSV blocked a potential move earlier. After losing Kvara (referring to a hypothetical future event or past context not fully clear in the snippet, likely related to needing a winger), Napoli had players like Garnacho, Adeyemi, and Lang on their list, but various well-known reasons forced them to settle for Okafor on loan. Manna`s regret had always been the Dutch player, an attacking force whose style is somewhat reminiscent of Dries Mertens, who also joined Napoli from PSV exactly twelve years ago. Seeing coincidences as destiny`s scars, to quote Zafon, Manna re-evaluated his options and pushed his case. Perhaps PSV also knew this would happen, that after exploring other avenues, Napoli would return to Eindhoven. Reaching an agreement was quick, building upon the discussions from January, with a few adjustments. The deal is expected to be around 25 million euros for the club and a five-year contract for the player, worth 2.5 million euros per season.
Another Big Move
The wide positions are nearly filled, but Napoli still needs a key player to give Coach Conte a squad with absolute depth for four competitions. While Ndoye fades into the distance, other options remain, although their feasibility depends on the complexity and cost of potential deals. Federico Chiesa, at 28, is still a potential reinforcement, capable of playing on both the right and left wings. Alternatively, Jadon Sancho, 25, doesn`t seem to have a guaranteed future at Manchester United.
Darwin`s Theory: There is always a strategy, even in the twists and turns of the transfer market. Napoli, now financially stronger, intends to implement it. The funds seemed primarily allocated for wide players, but now, with Lang close to being announced, things can shift. For example, resources can be redirected towards the opponent`s penalty area to secure Darwin Nuñez. Manna has been working on this for a while, initially distracted by the need for a winger, a position now bolstered but potentially needing further depth. However, the most significant investment could be made for the Uruguayan striker. Walter Gargano, his countryman, already sees him at the Maradona stadium, as he confessed to Kiss Kiss radio: “I spoke to him, I told him to go to Napoli, and he replied confidently: `I`m coming, I`m just waiting for it to be finalized.` And with him, the team`s value would change.” The distance between demand and offer remains significant; Napoli would go up to around forty million euros, but Anfield would prefer (of course) a bit more, a figure hovering around seventy million euros. And then there`s the salary, about five million euros or so. But Napoli is thinking about it, even believes in it, and wants Nuñez – a sumptuous and prestigious reference point for a club that, having won, wants to build a foundation to remain among the elite. From Liverpool to Napoli, the market devil is turning blue.
