Azzurri DS attempts a coup that would make Antonio Conte happy: defensive reinforcement arrives from England
After bringing the Scudetto back to the shadow of Vesuvius, Conte is looking forward to an ambitious market, with targeted reinforcements to better face the Champions League and remain at the top of Serie A.
And it is with this in mind that the work of sporting director Giovanni Manna is taking shape, who has put an international-level profile in his sights: Lisandro Martínez, 27, a central defender from Manchester United and a world champion with Argentina in 2022.
Napoli, è Lisandro Martinez il nome nuovo per la difesa
The Corriere dello Sport reported the news, pointing out that the Neapolitan leadership likes the player a lot, despite some unknowns related to his physical condition.
Lisandro Martinez, 27 anni, nei piani di Manna per rinforzare la difesa azzurra (LaPresse) – spazionapoli.it
Lisandro is not just any name. A warrior’s character, polite feet, a leader’s personality: he is one of those defenders who not only destroy, but also know how to build. A modern central midfielder, in short, who could fit perfectly into the idea of soccer wanted by Conte.
But there is a heavy “however,” and it cannot be ignored: the Argentine is a non-EU player and ended his season prematurely due to a ruptured cruciate ligament in his left knee, an injury that is always an unknown quantity, especially for those who thrive on contrasts and intensity.
Napoli, however, is in no hurry. The operation, if it were to take shape, would not close quickly: there will be a careful evaluation of the player’s recovery path, following him closely, talking to Manchester United’s doctors and technical staff, trying to understand if and when Lisandro can return to the one who made Old Trafford fall in love and raised the World Cup in Qatar.
L’incognita resta l’infortunio: Manna attende prima di affondare il colpo
The qualities, as Corriere dello Sport reports, are not in question. The doubts, if anything, are physical and regulatory in nature, as the non-EU status could complicate plans to sign him.
Il brutto infortunio condiziona la trattativa: il Napoli non ha fretta e attende conferme sull’integrità fisica dell’argentino (LaPresse) – spazionapoli.it
But this has not dampened the club’s interest. Napoli has learned to dream big, and Lisandro represents a perfect profile to complete a backline that needs certainty, charisma, and solidity. It is not yet time to sink the blow, but the spotlights are on and Manna is watching, studying, and evaluating.
