Napoli have been in the hunt for a new left-back since last summer, with several players like Sergio Regulion – who instead made the move to Tottenham Hotspurs – and Chelsea’s Emerson Palmieri all being linked with a move to Southern Italy. However, none of the Partenopei targets ended up arriving, and Napoli are now set to launch another assault during the January Transfer market, and have identified Barcelona’s Junior Firpo as a possible candidate for the role.
With Faouzi Ghoulam still incapable of regaining his pre-injuries form, and Mário Rui being recognized as the weakest link in the lineup by the Napoli faithfuls, the arrival of Firpo – which is a possibility according to a report by Calcionews24 – could help in elevating the level of the left-back department.
The Barcelona man is having troubles of his in Catalunya, as he is merely considered a squad player at Camp Nou, and isn’t able to dispose his compatriot Jordi Alba who remains the preferred left-back in Ronald Koeman’s pecking order, so he could definitely welcome a move to one of Italy’s most exciting teams at the moment.
Nonetheless, the report adds that Napoli – despite leading the race to sign Firpo – could face some competition from Premier League’s West Ham United, as well as Granada who could propose to take the Barcelona left-back on loan for the rest of the season.
Our View on the Next Napoli Left-Back
Junior Firpo is not the only left-back who is in Gennaro Gattuso’s sights, as Napoli are also in the race to bring back Emerson Palmieri to Italy.
Although the Italian international would be considered a more favorable option for his previous Serie A experience with Roma, the 24-year-old Firpo was deemed as one of Spain’s most promising full-backs during his time at Real Betis, and if given the opportunity, he just might become Napoli’s version of Theo Hernández.
? (FIRPO): Granada are interested in signing Junior Firpo in the winter transfer window.
‼️West Ham United are also interested in a loan with purchase deal. Napoli are also eyeing the situation.#FCB #Transfers ??
Via (?): @MigRico [MD] pic.twitter.com/uyySnUSTgG
— BarcaBuzz (@Barca_Buzz) December 17, 2020