Aurelio De Laurentiis may still be thinking about it: 40-50 million is missing from the roll call and it is Antonio Conte’s “fault.” The facts say it, now more than ever
Napoli, che rimpianto: mancano 50 milioni all’appello (AnsaFoto) – serieanews.com
It certainly cannot be said that Antonio Conte’s management in Naples is unsatisfactory. On the contrary, the former Juve and Inter Milan man’s impact has gone beyond the most optimistic expectations, as Napoli is currently first in the standings, despite starting from 10th place last year, and is among the top in Europe for defensive tightness and the first in Europe for clean sheets.
Impressive data, certifying the goodness of the Lecce coach’s work on the field. The market choices are also proving successful, from Buongiorno to McTominay via the devastating David Neres. Yet there is something that today, in hindsight, weighs a bit especially on the “what ifs” that would have led to choosing a different path.
That PSG has its eye on Kvicha Kvaratskhelia is hardly news. For months, the Parisians have been studying every move to secure the talented Georgian, and the idea of bringing him home is now more than a suggestion. However, the deal is unlikely to materialize as early as this market window: the most concrete hypothesis remains that of a June transfer. The crucial knot? The figure.
Today there is talk of a value around 90 million, perhaps even 80 if Kvaratskhelia agrees to renew his contract by inserting a rescission clause. A sum that, added to the 75 million speculated for the sale of Victor Osimhen, would bring a maximum total of 160 million into Napoli’s coffers.
Napoli, che occasione persa: Osimhen e Kvaratskhelia valevano 200 milioni
Interesting numbers, of course, but there is a backstory that leaves a bitter aftertaste: last summer Napoli turned down as much as 200 million for the two jewels, offered by PSG itself.
Weighing on this choice was above all the veto placed by Antonio Conte on an early transfer of Kvara, who is considered indispensable for the technical project. A decision that today, looking at the difficulties of the Georgian fantasist, seems to have turned into a boomerang. After a complicated start to the season, the number 77’s performance has dropped dramatically, making it more difficult to spring for a price above the current 80-90 million.
Sono state le ultime volte che abbiamo visto Kvara esultare con la maglia del Napoli? (AnsaFoto) – serieanews.com
And then there is the Osimhen case. The Nigerian striker, symbol of the Azzurri’s Scudetto, has been the protagonist of an even more chaotic situation. Last summer, Napoli aimed to sell him for 120 million, but the offers did not live up to expectations. In the end, they opted for a loan to Galatasaray, with the inclusion of a rescission clause lowered to 75 million. A choice that, on balance, drastically reduced the club’s profit margin.
Putting the pieces together, the picture is clear: the management of the two Azzurri stars has led to a potential shortfall of 40-50 million compared to what could have been collected last summer. A figure that weighs heavily, especially considering the economic and sporting difficulties Napoli is facing this season.
The question is inevitable: was it really worth retaining both players? The choice, initially driven by Antonio Conte’s desire to maintain a competitive team, did not bear the desired fruit. And now, with the prospect of less lucrative disposals, the regret is more than justified.
This article Napoli, what regret: 50 million thrown out the window because of Conte’s “fault” appeared in its original version first on SerieANews.
