Napoli Newcomer Teases Milan, Bid for Lazio Ace Refused

The Cult of Calcio

·13 de febrero de 2025

Napoli Newcomer Teases Milan, Bid for Lazio Ace Refused

Napoli took a late flier on Noah Okafor after missing out on a few targets to replace Khvicha Kvaratskhelia. He will have an opportunity sooner than anticipated since David Neres just suffered a thigh injury.

The attacker commented on the move in his introductory presser (via Quotidiano Sportivo)

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“I joined a big club. I’m working hard to find my best shape and hope to resume playing at the top of my capabilities for my sake and especially the team’s one. We’re pushing and working hard in training, which is something new to me. It’s difficult, but I’m sure that’s what I need now. This team runs a lot and attacks and defends together. We’re practicing well, and I’ve always thought that matches are the result of what you do throughout the week.”

Before signing Okafor on loan with a €23M option to buy from Milan, Napoli tabled an offer for Mattia Zaccagni but didn’t find an opening in that case, Il Messaggero informs (via Tuttomercatoweb). Antonio Conte had suggested the Lazio star to address the void. President Aurelio De Laurentiis reached out to Claudio Lotito, but the deal didn’t gain traction.

The player didn’t want to leave midseason, especially since he extended his contract not too long ago. The bid amounted to €20M, which wasn’t enough to convince the Biancocelesti.

Our Take on Napoli, Okafor, and Zaccagni

It’s not hard to imagine that Conte would have preferred a surefire contributor. Still, the Milan loanee is talented but got lost in the shuffle because of the competition and repeated injuries at San Siro. He should be at least a good weapon off the bench if properly motivated and in shape.