The new force that is Napoli

Napoli had an undoubtedly dominant transfer market presence this year. Sealing 7 new deals and selling 4 players, the newly appointed coach, Benitez made sure that he is on the move to create a strong and capable team. With a last year runners-up finish, Napoli should now be aiming to challenge for the Scudetto competing with the likes of Juventus and AC Milan under the guidance of Rafa Benitez.

Transfer Summary

Coach (IN): Rafa Benitez

OUTs

Edinson Cavani – Striker

Mario Santana – Winger

Hugo Campagnaro – Defender

Morgan De Sancti – Goalkeeper

INs

Gonzalo Higuaín – Striker

José Callejón – Winger

Dries Mertens – Winger

Pablo Armero – Defender

Raúl Albiol – Defender

Pepe Reina – Goalkeeper

Rafael – Goalkeeper

The El Matador and Napoli’s talismanic player, Cavani was sold to the French giants, PSG for a fee of €64m. One of the most sought after player in the market, Cavani had played a pivotal role in Napoli’s last year performance and his transfer justifies its cause and the fee. The funds from his sale were thoughtfully channelized to capture other world class signings in the likes of Higuaín (€37m) and Callejón (€10m). The Real Madrid duo have proved their caliber at a top class level and is bound to prove successful at this new project. Especially, the classy Argentinian striker, is expected to continue his goal-scoring form with Real Madrid and Rafa definitely deserves a pat on his back for luring in Higuain competing against the likes of Arsenal. Cavani was Napoli’s attacking face and it would only be normal if we see Higuain carry the responsibility from this season. The team now has a boastful attacking lineup with the growing talents of Lorenzo Insigne and Marek Hamsik, and the newly signed Mertens, a talented Belgian winger who seem to figure out in his first team plans.

In the defensive framework , the departure of Campagnaro, one of the reliable of Napoli’s defenders apart from Paolo Cannavaro, has been quite surprising but the arrival of the ex-Valencia defender makes up for it in a way. Benitez has also sold out De Sancti so as to make space for Rafa’s ex-Liverpool shot stopper Pepe Reina for a loan.

It has been a good amount of restructuring done by the Partenopei this season and Benitez must be eyeing to claim the stature he held at Liverpool with this new and rejuvenated team. Lets have a look at a first team starting lineup for the new Napoli side.

The squad is well balanced with the likes of Insigne, Pandev and Maggio available on the bench. There is both youth in the likes of Hamsik, Callejon and Mertens and experience in the likes of Higuain, Albiol and Cannavaro. 

Will the man who guided Liverpool to the UEFA Champions League cup be able to emulate Napoli’s golden days of the late 80’s. For sure, they had Maradona back then, but given Napoli’s current squad with a tactician like Benitez on board, we could be looking at a project that might start to flourish in times to come.