Napoli are pursuing Mbekezeli Mbokazi after the South Africa international’s agent confirmed the Italian champions’ interest in signing the Chicago Fire defender.
Speaking to Stile TV via Sport Mediaset, representative Basia Michaels stated that “there is strong interest from Napoli” in the 20-year-old centre-back. Michaels added that Chicago Fire “want to sell the player” and are actively working to arrange a transfer.
Mbokazi, who will turn 21 in September, has already earned 14 senior caps for South Africa and enhanced his reputation with strong performances at the 2026 World Cup. Chicago Fire signed the defender from Orlando Pirates in January 2026. The transfer fee was €2.5 million. He remains under contract with the MLS club until December 2029, with the Illinois-based outfit holding an option to extend for an additional year.
Serie A move hinges on sales
Despite the mutual interest between Napoli and the player’s camp, significant obstacles remain. The Naples club must first generate funds through player sales before they can register new signings, having recently exhausted their immediate budget on an unsuccessful pursuit of Lazio defender Mario Gila.
Napoli had intended to bring Gila to the Stadio Diego Armando Maradona but were outbid by Milan, who completed the transfer for €25 million plus add-ons. This setback forces the champions to seek more economical defensive alternatives, with Mbokazi representing a significantly cheaper option than the €25m-rated Gila.
Premier League links lack substance
While English top-flight clubs have been mentioned as potential suitors following Mbokazi’s World Cup displays, Michaels dismissed suggestions of advanced negotiations. “I heard about Brentford and Nottingham Forest,” the agent acknowledged, “but we are waiting for some concrete interest, not just calls to ask for information.”
Rumours linking the defender with Belgian and German teams were similarly played down, with Michaels noting that no direct contact has been established with Chicago Fire regarding these markets.
The MLS side’s strong negotiating position—bolstered by Mbokazi’s long-term contract and the option for an extra year—means they can demand a substantial return on the investment they made just months ago. For Napoli, securing the South African’s signature depends on offloading squad members to satisfy financial fair play requirements and fund the transfer.