Napoli sporting director Giovanni Manna has confirmed Kevin De Bruyne and Andre Frank Zambo Anguissa will remain at the club despite revealing the Serie A side must offload players before registering new signings.
The Partenopei face restrictions under Financial Fair Play parameters after exceeding economic limits last season. Speaking at a press conference, Manna explained that heavy investment over the past two campaigns, combined with missing Champions League revenue in Antonio Conte’s first year, has forced the club to balance the books.
“The real objectives do not change, we are not weakening the team,” Manna insisted. “We are called to get back within certain economic balances that last year we broke through because we invested a great deal over the last two seasons.”
New manager Max Allegri, who replaced Conte this summer, inherits a squad that Manna admits cannot be strengthened until sales materialise. The director noted that the transfer market in Italy remains “pretty static,” with only Fiorentina making significant investments.
De Bruyne and Anguissa staying
De Bruyne’s future had been uncertain following reports he criticised Conte’s tactical approach, but Manna dismissed speculation about a departure. The midfielder, who signed a contract with an option for a third year, suffered an injury last term but remains central to plans.
“He has not yet spoken to Allegri, we await him at pre-season training,” Manna said. “I did not appreciate some of his words, but there’s no problem. Kevin doesn’t have to decide if he’s staying or leaving, he is part of the project.”
On Anguissa, the director was emphatic: “Frank Anguissa has a contract with Napoli, so I see no need to negotiate with him. He is not for sale.”
Injury blow and Lukaku uncertainty
Defender Alessandro Buongiorno faces two to three months out after undergoing meniscus surgery. Manna described the setback as “a surprise” but indicated Sam Beukema should return to the squad towards the end of pre-season training in Castel di Sangro.
Romelu Lukaku’s situation remains unresolved. The striker is on holiday following Belgium’s World Cup campaign, with Manna confirming the club will assess his future upon his return.