News Focus
- Napoli activate €16m clause to sign Alisson Santos permanently from Sporting CP after successful loan spell
- Brazilian winger scored four goals in 14 Serie A appearances during his six-month stay
- Club now searching for new right-back with two main targets identified
- Anan Khalaili from Union Saint-Gilloise is the preferred choice but costs €25m
- Fiorentina’s Dodo offers a cheaper alternative at €15m and shares an agent with David Neres
Napoli have completed the permanent signing of winger Alisson Santos from Sporting CP. The Serie A champions will pay €16 million to secure the Brazilian after an impressive loan period. This fee comes on top of the €3.5 million already paid for the initial six-month loan.
The 22-year-old attacker joined the Partenopei in January. He plays on the left side of the forward line. During his time in Naples, he scored four goals in 14 league matches. His strong performances convinced the club to keep him beyond the summer.
Journalist Fabrizio Romano reports that Sporting CP received official notification about the activated buy-out clause today. The transfer was always likely after the player’s excellent start to life in Italian football.
Now the club turns its attention to the defence. They need a new right-back to challenge or support captain Giovanni Di Lorenzo. The search has narrowed down to two specific targets.
Transfer expert Alfredo Pedullà claims that Anan Khalaili from Union Saint-Gilloise sits at the top of their list. The club has watched the 21-year-old Israel international for some time. However, the Belgian side demands €25 million for his signature. Napoli consider this price too high given that Di Lorenzo remains the first-choice defender.
If the Belgian club refuses to lower their demands, Napoli will look to Dodo from Fiorentina. The Brazilian’s contract is running down, and he is ready to leave the Tuscan club. His price tag stands at a more reasonable €15 million. He is also represented by the same agent who handles current Napoli winger David Neres. This connection could help push the deal through.
Roma also hold an interest in the 27-year-old Dodo. This creates competition for his signature. Napoli must decide quickly whether to pay extra for the younger Khalaili or move for the more affordable and experienced Brazilian option.