Napoli fear January bid for McTominay as renewal talks stall

Talks between Napoli and Scott McTominay over a new contract have never broken down, but they have not moved any closer to a deal either. Sporting director Giovanni Manna and the midfielder's staff exchanged messages in the past few days to arrange further meetings — a sign the negotiation is still open. The problem is the gap between the two sides, and for now nobody knows how to close it.

That would be a paradox at the worst possible time. McTominay has been sidelined since having surgery for a cardiac ablation, a recovery Napoli are managing step by step with the aim of having him available for the Frosinone game without rushing him back. Yet he is the player head coach Allegri has built Napoli's revival around: since he arrived at the club, Napoli win 59% of the games he plays in, against 40% of those he misses. Discussing his sale in January would mean giving up their most decisive player at the point in the season when they need him most.

McTominay is not an isolated case — he is the tip of a wider problem. Napoli's midfield is ageing and running down almost as a block: Anguissa could leave as soon as January, Lobotka risks leaving for nothing when his deal expires, and De Bruyne is 35. Keeping the unit together without losing players for free is one of the most delicate challenges facing the club between now and next summer, and McTominay's renewal request — still far from the club's — is only the first to reach the table.

The picture comes with Napoli ninth in the table on 7 points from 5 games, after the draw in Florence left supporters waiting for answers. The midfield, with McTominay still some way from returning, will be one of the main talking points before the game against Frosinone, scheduled for Saturday 10 October at the Maradona — nine days away, the last fixture before the season moves into its real rhythm. Before that date arrives, Napoli will be hoping Manna and McTominay's staff can at least find a basis to keep talking.