Stanislav Lobotka is likely to stay put at Napoli, but Barcelona, probably instructed by Xavi, had made strides to sign him in previous months. His agent Branislav Jarusek spilled the beans to RTV (via Calciomercato).
“In the past, we agreed to personal terms with the Blaugrana. However, they changed their coach, and the situation is murky now. They have some financial problems. The turn of events blindsided us. The transfer hasn’t completely collapsed, but things are more fluid. Everybody knows the kind of player he is, also in Madrid and England.”
“Lobotka might ultimately continue with Napoli, which would please a lot of people. That’s the most likely option at the moment. They won’t let one of their best players go for a low sum. It’d be an expensive transfer. A few gaffers are looking for a player with his characteristics, and I’m in talks with some of them. Most managers want him, but the most important thing is to protect the clubs’ interests.”
The Partenopei could eventually bolster their midfield but are focusing on other positions in the early stages of the summer. They’ll have to replace Piotr Zielinski, but Antonio Conte plans to begin with a two-man line. In addition, he’ll evaluate returning loanees Michael Folorunsho and Gianluca Gaetano.
Our Take on Lobotka
He might not be the cleanest fit for what their new boss has in mind, but he had reached such a high level in the previous campaign that they should be able to make it work no matter what.
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