Stanislav Lobotka is the latest Napoli star to flirt with other clubs ahead of an ominous-looking summer for the former Serie A champions. In his recent interview with Gazzetta dello Sport, Lobotka opened up on his dream of wearing the Barcelona shirt shortly after Los Blaugranas displayed an interest in his services.
Lobotka has been at Napoli since 2020, establishing himself as an indispensable first-team star. He was the crucial component of Luciano Spalletti’s Scudetto-winning team in 2022/23. But like others, including Khvicha Kvaratskhelia, Giovanni Di Lorenzo, and Victor Osimhen, he’s ready to wave goodbye to Napoli.
Barcelona spotted Lobotka’s potential during their Champions League knockout tie against Napoli last term. Ex-manager Xavi Hernandez waxed lyrical about the Slovakia international, and Lobotka has now opened the door to a potential switch to Camp Nou.
“I’ve been following Barcelona since I was a child. I would like to play in a top club,” the Napoli stalwart said, as quoted by TMW.
Despite naming Barcelona his childhood dream, Lobotka reiterated his confidence in the Napoli project under new boss Antonio Conte.
“Now, I’m in Naples, happy to be there. I have a contract and an Italian family,” Lobotka stated.
After a disastrous 2023/24 campaign, Napoli are at risk of losing numerous first-team members. Kvaratskhelia is among the likeliest candidates to leave. However, former Partenopei captain Marek Hamsik urged the Georgian winger to reconsider his stance and pledge his allegiance to the Diego Maradona Stadium cllub.
Like the so-called ‘Kvaradona.’ Lobotka is currently at Euro 2024, with Slovakia set to take on England in their last-16 tie tomorrow.
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