Who Is Alisson Santos? Napoli Sign ‘Lethal Weapon’ Who Plays Like Rafael Leao

Alisson Santos is now in Italy to undergo his medical ahead of joining Napoli from Sporting Lisbon.

Speculation linking Napoli and Santos has been going on for a number of days. Now, the deal is done and an announcement should be imminent.

Italian transfer reporter Nicolo Schira says Santos will sign a contract until 2031 and earn €1.8m per year, plus bonuses.

The Brazilian travelled to Rome to undergo routine tests at Villa Stuart, a well-known clinic used by many players joining Serie A clubs.

Santos even met Napoli captain Giovanni Di Lorenzo at the clinic, as the defender attended for a separate knee consultation.

Alisson #Santos will earn €1,8M/year + bonuses at #Napoli. Contract until 2031. #transfers https://t.co/CRt5Cq4As2

— Nicolò Schira (@NicoSchira) February 2, 2026

Alisson Santos: how much Napoli will pay him and Sporting

Alisson Santos is reportedly joining Napoli on an initial loan deal which will see Sporting paid €3m, according to Corriere.

Napoli then have an option to sign the Brazilian speedster for €15m in the summer, added the report.

This structure lowers the immediate cost, but it also suggests Napoli want to keep control of the final decision at the end of the season.

Nicolo Schira has also described the move as a loan with an option to buy, and says the long-term contract is ready until 2031.

On wages, Schira reports Santos will earn €1.8m a year plus performance bonuses once he officially becomes a Napoli player.

If the medical checks go to plan, the deal should be completed quickly, with signatures expected soon after the tests in Rome.

.@sscnapoli, Alisson Santos è arrivato a Villa Stuart per le visite mediche pic.twitter.com/9wPGIuSDuS

— Gianluca Di Marzio (@DiMarzio) February 2, 2026

Alisson Santos factfile: position, style and recent form

Alisson Santos is an attacking wide player, used mainly as a winger, and Napoli see him as a fresh option for the final third.

He arrives from Sporting Lisbon after a spell that included big moments in Europe this season.

Santos has registered three goals and three assists in 689 minutes, with all of his goals coming in the Champions League.

This included a 94th-minute goal away to Athletic Bilbao that helped Sporting reach the Champions League last-16 stage.

He also left with a final contribution. He provided a late assist in Sporting’s league win over Nacional before flying to Italy.

Le Bombe Di Vlad have described Santos as a modern winger, gifted with blistering pace, crisp dribbling, and excellent individual technique.

They note how he prefers to start from the left flank, cutting inside and striking with his preferred right foot.

However, his versatility allows him to operate effectively on both sides of the pitch.

Due to his style of play and the ease with which he beats his opponents at pace, many observers have compared Santos to early Rafael Leao.

Likewise, Calciomercato have noted a comparison between Santos and Leao in his younger days.

They deemed him a modern winger, explosive in short runs and skilled in tight dribbling. They also said he can destabilise defences and operate on both flanks or behind the striker.

‘His speed makes him a lethal weapon on the counterattack,’ they added. ‘While his natural dribbling ability and ease of finishing make him a valuable asset in changing the pace of matches.’

Napoli signed Giovane from Verona earlier in the January transfer window.