Ismajli Agent Talks Race Between Napoli and Juventus

The Cult of Calcio

·11 December 2024

Ismajli Agent Talks Race Between Napoli and Juventus

Ardian Ismajli has had a strong start to the season quarterbacking the Empoli defense and has drawn the interest of Napoli and Juventus. His agent and intermediary Serxhio Mezi revealed that he has been in touch with the Azzurri to set up the deal in an interview with Tribuna.

“I’ve been talking with Napoli for a year. He could have joined them last January. We discussed about it with director Mauro Meluso and worked on such a transfer with Ciro Palermo. I don’t know if the deal will go through, but the two presidents are friendly, which could help in the negotiation.”

Instead, Mezi instead dismissed the chatter about Inter and Juventus.

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“He’s been linked, but there’s nothing there. Thiago Motta didn’t want him when he was at Bologna. I doubt that the Bianconeri will chase him even if they are looking for a center-back.”

Ismajli is in a particular situation because his contract lasts only until the end of the season.

“Do you think a Serie A team would spend €2M, €3M, or €4M for a 29-year-old player they could sign on a free in June? Napoli are a different matter. He was offered to Roma and Daniele De Rossi too. Though, they discarded him because they didn’t think he was ready for that level.”

Our Take on Ismajli

It looks like the Partenopei have the inside track. Being a reliable deputy in a top team is arguably the right dimension for him. Perhaps a multi-player deal or a short-term renewal with a low release clause would facilitate a small investment in light of his contractual status.