Napoli’s resurgence under Antonio Conte has been remarkable, with the team currently leading Serie A for the first time since their Scudetto-winning season in June 2023. Conte’s arrival has brought a fresh perspective and renewed ambition to the club, emphasizing hard work and moving past previous disappointments.
La Gazzetta dello Sport report how the club’s impressive summer transfer window, which saw investments of around €150 million in players like Buongiorno, Marin, Lukaku, Neres, McTominay, and Gilmour, has significantly bolstered the squad. However, as the team adapts to Conte’s tactical preferences, a need for additional defensive depth has become apparent.
With the shift from a three-man defense to a back four, Napoli finds itself short on central defensive options beyond the starting pair. Rafa Marin is not yet ready for a prominent role, while Juan Jesus is seen more as an emergency option than a regular starter.
As a result, Napoli is considering a January move for another high-caliber center-back with international and Serie A experience. The ideal candidate would be ready to contribute immediately, young, and affordable in terms of wages.
Jaka Bijol, the 25-year-old Udinese and Slovenia defender, has emerged as a potential target. Valued at around 15 million euros, Bijol offers versatility, having experience in both three and four-man defensive systems. He’s been a key player for Slovenia and has Champions League and Europa League experience from his time at CSKA Moscow.
Bijol’s potential acquisition could be facilitated by the sale of Folorunsho, with Lazio showing renewed interest. The Slovenian defender’s physicality (standing at 190 cm) and goal-scoring ability make him an attractive prospect for Napoli.
While Bijol remains just an idea at this stage, Napoli will continue to monitor his progress in the coming months. The club’s strategy for the next transfer window will depend on various factors, including the team’s performance and tactical needs.
Napoli’s relationship with Udinese has generally been positive, despite some tension during last January’s transfer window over potential deals for Samardzic and Perez. The need for an additional top-quality defender to complement Rrahmani and Buongiorno is clear, mirroring the depth provided by Gilmour in midfield and Neres in attack.
