Napoli must free a squad place for Buongiorno before buying in January

Napoli's January plans have hit an unglamorous obstacle. The 25-man squad list that clubs register with the league is full, and a defender who has to go back on it is about to return: Buongiorno.

Buongiorno, the number 4, is not on the official list at the moment. He had surgery on his meniscus and is expected back in January 2027. That is good news for the defence, which has leaked goals in recent weeks. Against Lazio, Allegri started only three recognised defenders.

For the squad list, it is a problem. Buongiorno can go in as one of the unrestricted over-22 players or in the quota reserved for players trained in Italian academies. Both are full. Someone has to leave to make room for him, and every place that goes to Buongiorno is one fewer for a new signing.

Who could make room

Among the over-22s, the names that keep coming up are Lucca and Lang. Lucca has not scored this season and fell out with De Bruyne in Porto, and his departure in January is described as almost certain. Lang was whistled at the Maradona on Sunday, and the club would reportedly be ready to listen to offers.

The trouble is that selling players mid-season is not easy. Both have been inconsistent, their valuations are high and few clubs are willing to spend.

The simplest route leads to Anguissa. His contract expires on 30 June 2027, and a concrete offer could see him leave in the winter. De Bruyne and Meret are also out of contract next summer, but nobody is talking about either leaving soon. Every sale opens a place for a signing. Without sales, nothing moves.

The under-22 shortcut

Players born in 2004 or later do not take up a place on the list, and this is where the window gets interesting. The first choice for midfield is still Coulibaly of Monaco, born in 2004, but Monaco want around €50m. Camara, also at Monaco, would cost at least €40m.

Zorgane, a holding midfielder at Union Saint-Gilloise, is more affordable at around €15m. But he was born in 2000 and would need one of the over-22 places.

Bakola and Bergwall are also on the list. Napoli like Dodò for the flank, but only on a free transfer. In attack, Varela is the first choice if Lucca leaves.

Imagination before money

De Laurentiis has opened his wallet, but Manna will need imagination more than cash. That means either a forward-looking window built on under-22s or a real clear-out of players who cost a lot in wages and do little on the pitch.

The worry among supporters is the familiar one: reaching 2 January without a clear plan, then doing everything on the final day and once again signing players who are injury-prone or need rebuilding.

Napoli are tenth, 14 points behind Lazio and 9 off fourth place. There is no room for another improvised January.