The January transfer window is now upon us and it is time Napoli starts looking at players that can assist them in the back-half of the season, preparing for a run to the title or at least an automatic Champions League spot.
Where can the team improve?
As a starting team, Napoli is actually a fairly solid unit, although the main area of improvement needs to come from their defence and particularly in the wide-back category. They have struggled numerous times with defensive lapses, and although not always shown on the scoreboard, it can be very visible on the field. Depth is also another category they will need to improve on, considering they will more than likely go fairly deep in the Europa League as well.
Serge Aurier (PSG) – Right-back
Although it would not be the cheapest or easiest of transfers, Napoli have Elseid Hysaj and Christian Maggio in this position at the moment, both of whom are very attacking right-backs that play more as wingers. A more rounded player such as Serge Aurier could serve as a good buy for Maurizio Sarri, who needs as many points as possible from the upcoming matches after the break.
Erik Durm (Borussia Dortmund) – Left-back
In a similar sense to Aurier, currently on the left for Napoli over the bulk of the season has been Fazi Goulham. With Juan Camilo Zuniga looking like he may exit the Stadio San Paulo this transfer window, coverage and possible improvement could come from signing Erik Durm. In theory, not being first choice behind Marcel Schmelzer at Dortmund could make this transfer a little less expensive and the player could be enticed with the prospects of solid time on the pitch. Being an improving talent could make Durm a good investment for the future of the Azzurri defence.
[interaction id=”568bcc8b3a731d3e71c3ac88″]
Samuel Umtiti (Lyon) – Centre=back
With the experienced Raul Albiol in defence at the moment and not leaving the starting side anytime soon, finding a partner is key for Sarri. Kalidou Koulibaly has been the starter in the majority of games, however, discipline is a key issue in a lot of Koulibaly’s games and his usage of the ball from the defensive end. Samuel Umtiti, one of the hottest prospects in the French League, would be a great pick up and could be an excellent long-term signing for the club. The one barrier in Napoli’s way firstly is the competition for his services, along with a freshly signed contract for Lyon at the start of the season.
Christoph Kramer (Bayer Leverkusen) – Defensive-midfielder
Although this is a little bit out there, Napoli needs an improved back-up for their defensive midfield pairing. Signing German representative Christoph Kramer would allow Sarri to rotate the three high-quality players of Jorginho, Allan and then Kramer through the starting lineup, which would help injury prevention in this position as Mirko Valdifiori has struggled to fit in over his first season with the club and David Lopez just is not as good as the starters.
Saido Berahino (West Brom) – Striker
Although Napoli has the might of Gonzalo Higuain way ahead in the top goal scorers at the moment, this is also a position where depth will be required the further into the season and Europa League that they go. Higuain has effectively been starting every game and Manolo Gabbiadini, although coming on as a striker occasionally, has not had much of an impact this season. The transfer would not necessarily impress Berahino, but the 22-year-old would be a pretty good secondary striker. This transfer may become a lot different should a large club try and pick up Higuain this window, however.
Conclusion
For Napoli fans this is probably going to be a very quiet transfer window on the arrivals side of things. A few players have been mentioned in the media about leaving, but are all pretty much in the substitutes each week so it probably will not affect the make up of the squad each week. There may be a few signings to cover these outs but otherwise, if any of the Azzurri faithful are waiting on a big signing, they should not be holding their breath.
What are your thoughts? Let us know by dropping a comment below via our Facebook comment box. Make sure you follow us on Twitter @Outside90 and like us on Facebook
