Michael Folorunsho is on the brink of leaving Napoli, despite recently renewing his contract with the club. The midfielder, who impressed during his time at Hellas Verona, was unable to secure a place in the team under the guidance of new coach Antonio Conte. This has led to a swift change in his career trajectory, with a departure from the club now imminent.
Calciomercato report that Folorunsho’s exit seemed certain when Atalanta offered €15 million plus €3 million in bonuses to secure his transfer. However, the deal fell through due to Napoli’s demand for a future resale percentage and an injury to Atalanta’s Gianluca Scamacca, which altered their transfer plans. In a sign of his impending departure, Folorunsho has removed references to Napoli from his social media profiles, including photos in the club’s jersey.
Despite initial hopes, Folorunsho did not find a place in Conte’s plans, making him available on the transfer market. Clubs like Fiorentina and Lazio have shown interest, with Lazio having a personal connection through coach Marco Baroni, who previously worked with Folorunsho at Verona. Additionally, Folorunsho is a product of Lazio’s youth system, adding another layer of interest from the club. However, any potential move would require Lazio to make room on their roster.
Meanwhile, Atalanta remains a potential destination, as they may revisit their interest in Folorunsho, especially given the uncertainty surrounding Teun Koopmeiners. With Napoli’s preseason camp concluded, Folorunsho’s departure seems imminent, marking a significant shift in the club’s transfer strategy.
