Alex Meret was anointed as the Napoli starter by Luciano Spalletti to open the season. However, he suffered a significant back injury in early September, and the alternation with David Ospina has returned. The situation could affect his future at the club as his contract is up in 2023, Calciomercato.com reports.
His agent Federico Pastorello has opened talks to extend it. The goalkeeper is in line to get a significant pay raise since he has one of the lowest salaries on the roster. He currently earns about €1M. But the problem is not merely economic, as he is looking for certainties about his role.
His representative declared: “The matter is not just about being the starter. Alex wants a technical project that satisfies him. We are constantly in touch with Napoli and director Cristiano Giuntoli. We are discussing very serenely. This dualism surely does not help. The coach has two quality goalkeepers at his disposal. However, it is normal for us to evaluate the future perspectives when considering a new contract.”
Meret is waiting for the Partenopei’s call on the future of Ospina. The contract of the Colombian veteran expires in June 2022. Few teams have taken an interest in signing him as a free agent. The Napoli management has yet to decide whether they want to re-up with him. The departure of his rival would clear the way for Meret to concretely engage in the extension talks. The 24-year-old goalkeeper joined the Azzurri in a €26M from Udinese in 2019. He has never been the undisputed starter.