Napoli Eyeing Sheffield United’s Sander Berge but Deal Is Complicated

Napoli are canvassing the market for a midfielder as Diego Demme will miss the start of the season. They have identified Sander Berge as a strong option for the role. However, it will not be easy to come to terms with Sheffield United, Corriere dello Sport reports.

Demme recently underwent surgery to repair a torn MCL in his right knee. He will likely sit out until the second international breaking, missing a few rounds. Napoli want to replace him properly. Although, since none of their top players seems poised to leave, they have limited funds to do it.

They are high on the 23-year-old Norwegian international, as he would bring the same physicality of Tiemoué Bakayoko. On the other hand, Sheffield United paid €23M to acquire him in January 2020. It is challenging to orchestrate a deal at the terms Napoli are looking for. Berge also has multiple suitors in England.

The solution would more likely be somebody else joining on a one-year loan. According to the newspaper, Matias Vecino and Morten Thorsby are reasonable candidates. Sassuolo’s Pedro Obiang was offered to them but to no avail, RAI indicates.

If they did not sign anybody, Luciano Spalletti would initially tilt the scheme, making it a 4-3-3, La Gazzetta dello Sport relays. Stanislav Lobotka has impressed the new coach in the pre-season and would anchor the midfield, with Piotr Zielinski and Fabian Ruiz as box-to-box. The manager has also shown appreciation for Gianluca Gaetano, who has played in Serie B in the last few seasons.