Antonio Conte’s desire to strengthen Napoli’s defense with Premier League talent has reportedly turned the club’s attention to Manchester United defender Harry Maguire. The 31-year-old, who joined the Red Devils from Leicester City in 2019 for £80 million, has faced mixed results during his time at Old Trafford.
Despite speculation surrounding Maguire’s future, current Manchester United manager Ruben Amorim values his skill set, potentially complicating any transfer negotiations. Nevertheless, reports from The Athletic suggest Conte is particularly impressed with Maguire’s experience and views him as an appealing candidate to bolster Napoli’s backline.
Conte’s Affinity for Premier League Players
Napoli’s interest in Maguire follows the success of their recent signing, Scott McTominay, another Premier League recruit who has made a significant impact in Serie A. Conte’s appreciation for English top-flight players appears to be a key factor in targeting the England international. Maguire’s profile as a seasoned center-back aligns with the Italian manager’s vision for defensive reinforcements.
While Conte is eager to bring Maguire to Naples, competition for the defender is expected. Other clubs, including José Mourinho’s Fenerbahce and Galatasaray, are said to be monitoring his situation closely.
Alternative Options on Napoli’s Radar
In addition to Maguire, Napoli has also been linked with Juventus defender Danilo. Reports suggest a potential swap deal involving Giacomo Raspadori heading to Turin could be on the table. However, no agreement has been reached, and Napoli continues to assess their options.
Maguire recently showcased his reliability by playing the full match in Manchester United’s 2-1 victory over Manchester City. Amorim’s trust in the defender may make it challenging for Napoli—or any suitor—to secure his signature in the immediate future.
