The timing of the Scott McTominay Napoli transfer didn’t sit well with Antonio Conte who admitted he ‘didn’t like it.’
Conte went on to win the 2024-25 Serie A title with McTominay landing the MVP award in Italy’s elite soccer division. The Scot was also voted into the Team of the Season.
McTominay has already cemented himself into Azzurri folklore after his stellar maiden campaign in Naples. However, things could have been very different had Conte got his way.
🚨 OFFICIAL: Scott McTominay has been named Italy's Most Valuable Player of the Year. 🥇🇮🇹🏴 pic.twitter.com/9MOspiIxFg
— Football Tweet ⚽ (@Football__Tweet) June 13, 2025
Scott McTominay Napoli Transfer
The Scott McTominay Napoli transfer was completed on August 30, 2024. He joined from English Premier League giants Man United after spending seven years at Old Trafford.
McTominay cost a reported £25.7million (€30.2m) and linked up with former Red Devil team-mate Romelu Lukaku at the Diego Armando Maradona Stadium.
The duo became a huge success in Naples when many wondered whether McTominay had the attributes and skillset to thrive under the ever-demanding tactician Antonio Conte.
That myth was quickly debunked as McTominay starred and helped the club to the Serie A title. It was Napoli’s second success in the last three seasons.
Antonio Conte On Scott McTominay’s Move To Naples
During an interview with Sky Sport Italia, Head coach Antonio Conte explained how the timing of Scott McTominay’s Napoli transfer was far from ideal.
The Azzurri actually signed the Scottish midfielder, Romelu Lukaku, Billy Gilmour and David Neres towards the very end of the summer transfer window in 2024.
“I think everyone is aware of what happened in January. During the season, some things didn’t really make me happy,” Conte said.
“New players arrived only in the last week [of the 2024 summer transfer window]. McTominay, Gilmour, Neres and Lukaku. Honestly, I didn’t like that.”
As much as he didn’t like it, Conte certainly got the best out of his late acquisitions. This summer window, Napoli are edging closer to a deal for Lorenzo Lucca.
The 6ft 7in forward has reportedly agreed a deal with the champions. All that needs to be ironed out is a suitable transfer fee with Udinese.
How Many Goals Did Scott McTominay Score In 2024-25?
Not only did Scott McTominay play a vital role in helping Napoli to the Scudetto, the Scottish midfield maestro scored an impressive 12 Serie A goals.
The 28-year-old netted 13 in total and chipped in with six assists. Only Romelu Lukaku scored more Azzurri goals in 2024-25 than McTominay.
Only the very last game of the season, McTominay scored arguably his finest Napoli goal which helped secure the league title.
Ahead of the new season, the safest online betting sites place the Azzurri as the 2025-26 Scudetto favorites. Especially as McTominay will play alongside Kevin De Bruyne in Naples.
