Badiashile's Injury Record: No Guarantees Against Future Setbacks

Lorenzo Di Benedetto offers insights into Napoli's transfer plans, including the possibility of Lorenzo Lucca's departure, a potential exchange involving Milinkovic-Savic and Musso, and updates on Meret.

In a recent appearance on 'Napoli Talk' on Radio Tutto Napoli, vice-director of TuttoMercatoWeb, Lorenzo Di Benedetto, shared his perspective on Napoli's transfer market strategies. Amidst a period of anticipation and uncertainty, discussions revolved around the club's pursuit of a striker and potential player sales, such as Lorenzo Lucca. Di Benedetto provided a detailed analysis of market dynamics, highlighting the challenges and opportunities that clubs face.

Regarding player sales, particularly Lorenzo Lucca, Di Benedetto suggested that his departure could potentially open up avenues for incoming transfers for a striker. He noted that Napoli's search for a new forward is well-known, and Lucca's exit is a prerequisite. However, he acknowledged that this is not a simple transaction at this stage of the market, with less than two weeks remaining until the transfer window closes. The domino effect of sales is yet to fully materialize, with many clubs needing to offload players, especially in attacking positions. Di Benedetto speculated that a move from Como to acquire Kean could indirectly benefit Napoli, as Fiorentina might then consider Lorenzo Lucca as a replacement. He mentioned that while Fiorentina's initial offer for Kean from Como was not considered, if Como were to raise their bid to around 40 million euros, Fiorentina might agree to the sale, thereby potentially reopening the path for Lucca. Otherwise, Napoli and Lucca's agent would need to find a suitable solution. Di Benedetto emphasized that the market is not yet in its final clearance phase.

On the topic of managing two strong strikers, such as Hojlund and Gabriel Jesus, or Jackson or Zirkzee (the latest name linked with Napoli), Di Benedetto recalled that Hojlund had to play almost every game last season due to Lukaku's extended injury absence and Lucca's eventual sale in January. He believes Napoli aims to have two reliable forwards but stressed that the coach, Allegri, would need to be adept at managing them, as strikers generally prefer consistent playing time. The coach's ability to balance their roles would be crucial if a top striker were indeed acquired.

Addressing the recent medical examinations of Benoît Badiashile, Di Benedetto referenced Aurelio De Laurentiis's initial stance at the beginning of the summer, where the president expressed a preference for selling players rather than buying. However, two significant injuries forced Napoli to react and seek reinforcements. Di Benedetto understood the concerns about potential recurring injuries, especially after last year's issues. He pointed out that while Conte's training methods were blamed for injuries last season, a new explanation would be needed with him gone. Di Benedetto suggested that Napoli needs to reflect internally on why so many players are suffering long-term injuries. He clarified that Badiashile was not acquired with a pre-existing injury, unlike some past instances where clubs have signed players needing physical recovery. Badiashile is expected to be immediately available to Massimiliano Allegri. While acknowledging concerns about his injury record, Di Benedetto stated, "It is not written anywhere that he has to get injured again."

Di Benedetto also addressed the general sentiment among Napoli fans and some industry insiders who are quick to criticize any new signing who subsequently gets injured. He understood the frustration, especially when observing other clubs spending heavily. He characterized the current market as similar to the previous year, where Napoli was a prominent player but also made some questionable signings, such as the reported 40 million euros for Lucca and potentially the same for Lang. He contrasted this with Milan's numerous signings with substantial spending, yet few have become consistent starters, with Rabiot being an exception. He highlighted that clubs like Como and Fiorentina have spent aggressively without apparent hesitation. While Fiorentina might recoup funds by selling Kean, Di Benedetto noted that they would then need to acquire another player. He also cited the Fiorentina president's clear statement about accepting UEFA fines to pursue their team improvement goals, suggesting that some clubs hide behind financial fair play concerns. Di Benedetto acknowledged the fanbase's unease due to other clubs' active transfer windows and significant signings, while Napoli has been relatively quiet. However, he expressed confidence that Napoli will still make a significant acquisition before the deadline.

Regarding the possibility of Musso joining Napoli and Milinkovic-Savic moving to Atlético Madrid, Di Benedetto mentioned that this is a recent development being reported. He sees it as a potential goalkeeper exchange between Atlético Madrid and Napoli. He believes Napoli needs to make a decision regarding their goalkeeping situation, and while parting with Milinkovic-Savic might be difficult, acquiring a high-caliber goalkeeper like Musso would be a valuable addition.

Di Benedetto then touched upon Alex Meret's situation. He recalled Federico Pastorello, Meret's agent, stating in late May that Meret would not endure another season like the previous one. Di Benedetto believes Meret has likely received assurances about his role, otherwise, he might have sought a new club. Therefore, he anticipates that Meret will begin the season as Napoli's starting goalkeeper, at least based on his agent's remarks and current assumptions.