Real Madrid dealt blow as Napoli shut doors on defender’s January return | OneFootball

Napoli have firmly ruled out the possibility of allowing Rafa Marin to leave during the upcoming January transfer window, according to reports from AS.

The former Real Madrid defender, who joined Napoli during the summer, is viewed as a critical part of the Italian club’s plans for the future and despite not yet making a significant impact, the Serie A side believes Marin has shown promising progress during training sessions in recent weeks.

They are confident that he is ready to step up and contribute meaningfully to their defensive line.

Napoli are not giving up

The current season is lengthy and demanding, with Napoli aiming to remain at the top of Serie A under Antonio Conte. Although Marin does not have international commitments, his role is expected to grow as the campaign progresses.

Conte sees his potential contribution as essential for maintaining Napoli’s defensive stability and keeping the team competitive on all fronts.

Napoli will not allow Rafa Marin to leave in January. (Photo by Francesco Pecoraro/Getty Images)

This development comes at a time when Real Madrid are in need of defensive reinforcements. Although Marin has not been strongly linked with a return to the Spanish giants, his name has surfaced in conversations regarding potential options.

Real Madrid have buy-back clauses

It is worth mentioning that his transfer to Napoli included specific buyback clauses, making his future an intriguing point of discussion.

Napoli initially acquired Marin for €12 million, but the agreement contains flexible terms. Napoli can increase the transfer value to €22 million by 2025 if they decide to remove Real Madrid’s buyback clauses.

On the other hand, Madrid have the option to reacquire him for €25 million in 2026 or €35 million in 2027. These clauses provide Real Madrid with an opportunity to bring back Marin if his development aligns with their needs.

For now, Napoli’s priority is to give Marin the time and space to grow within their system. The club remains committed to integrating him into their plans, and they are optimistic about his potential to become a key figure in their defence in the months ahead.