Napoli have taken action to retain their first-choice goalkeeper, Alex Meret, by activating a contract extension clause in his existing deal. The move comes amidst ongoing negotiations for a new deal between the club and the player.
According to the latest update from journalist Fabrizio Romano, Napoli’s president Aurelio De Laurentiis has chosen to exercise the extension option to prevent Meret from leaving on a free transfer. The decision buys the club more time to continue discussions and reach a consensus on a new contract, given that Meret’s existing deal with Napoli was set to expire at the end of the current season.
Despite being a key figure in the squad, negotiations between the player and the club have hit an impasse. However, after meeting the requirement of featuring in 70% of Napoli’s matches during the 2023/24 season, Meret has agreed to extend his stay for an additional year.
Napoli’s management is not stopping there, with plans underway to resume talks with Meret’s representatives regarding a long-term contract. Romano suggests that further meetings could occur in the coming months, with Napoli eager to secure Meret’s commitment before the summer transfer window opens.
In the event that negotiations fail to progress positively, Napoli still retain the option to sell Meret for a reasonable transfer fee. However, the club’s preference remains keeping hold of the experienced goalkeeper, who has established himself as a vital asset since David Ospina’s departure in 2022.
