Napoli bigwig Aurelio De Laurentiis has delivered his verdict on Lorenzo Insigne’s future at the Stadio Diego Armando Maradona amid exit links. The Partenopei captain has less than a year left to run on his current deal in Naples and has yet to commit to a new contract.
Speculations surrounding Insigne’s future were making the headlines in the summer. Several top European clubs, including Liverpool, Barcelona, and Inter Milan, were keen to snap up the 30-year-old but to no avail. Though he ultimately decided to honor his deal in Naples, the Euro 2020 winner has yet to make up his mind on his long-term future.
Insigne reportedly expects Napoli to offer him a new bumper deal that would include a substantial pay rise on his current €5m-a-year wages. In the meantime, the Partenopei are hopeful of persuading their homegrown star to accept a pay cut amid the financial uncertainty caused by the Covid-19 pandemic.
Since the expectations are contrasting, Insigne could be on his way out of south Italy come the summer of 2022. De Laurentiis has never hidden his admiration for his headline performer, but he insists that Insigne’s future is entirely up to him.
“[His stay at the club] doesn’t depend on us. I’ve never forced anyone,” De Laurentiis said, as relayed by Calciomercato. “I let others democratically decide what is the best choice for their lives.
“If Insigne wants to stay, we are here to welcome him with open arms. Instead, if he thinks his journey in Naples is over, we’ll deal with it and accept his decision.“
Barring several loan spells during his tender age, Insigne has spent his entire professional career at Napoli, clocking up a staggering 410 appearances. While enjoying a rise to stardom in Naples, the right-footed winger has grown into a fan favorite and one of the most highly-rated forwards in European football.
Insigne has enjoyed a bright start to the new season. He has already tallied four goals and three assists in ten Serie A outings, helping Napoli take early control of proceedings in Italy’s top-flight.