Napoli`s director, Giovanni Manna, has fiercely criticized the Serie A decision to impose a transfer embargo for the upcoming January 2026 window, labelling the restriction “paradoxical.” Manna also suggested that the club “won`t rule anything out” regarding potential player departures, specifically mentioning Lorenzo Lucca and Noa Lang.
This controversy surfaces after a highly demanding December for the Partenopei. Despite struggling with an injury crisis that led to a 1-0 loss against Udinese and the temporary surrender of the top spot in Serie A, the club found renewed vigor by winning the Supercoppa Italiana in Riyadh, securing the trophy with back-to-back 2-0 victories against AC Milan and Bologna.
Celebrating Success Amidst Financial Tightening
Speaking to DAZN Italia, Manna reflected on the club`s recent achievements while stressing the need for continued focus.
“It has been a wonderful year, as we won the unexpected Scudetto, and then the Supercoppa. There’s no time to simply celebrate, though, as we need to concentrate fully on the present,” Manna stated. He added that the high level of competition in Serie A means “you can drop points against anyone,” emphasizing that every coach is well-prepared.
The Tactical Shift Under Conte
The club`s success in the Supercoppa was achieved despite key absences, including Andre Frank Zambo Anguissa, Romelu Lukaku, Billy Gilmour, Kevin De Bruyne, and Alex Meret. These constraints prompted Coach Antonio Conte to adopt a new 3-4-2-1 formation, a move Manna fully endorsed.
“The system change was born out of necessity, as we lacked midfield options. The coach did exceptionally well to tailor a new outfit to the squad at his disposal. We are now a positive and proactive team,” Manna explained. “We will see what happens in the future when the coach has more options available.”
The Transfer Embargo: An ‘Enormous Paradox’
Napoli is among several clubs facing a transfer ban in January 2026 after failing a financial stress test. This means the club must fund any new signings solely through player sales—a requirement Manna deems absurd.
“It is paradoxical, because we are the club with the healthiest financial position and the most available liquidity. Therefore, not being able to sign any new players without making sales first is an enormous paradox,” he asserted. Manna contrasted this strict approach with UEFA regulations, which typically allow a club a full year to implement necessary financial corrections, unlike Serie A`s immediate freeze.
Future of Loaned Players
When questioned about the likelihood of Lorenzo Lucca and Noa Lang departing in January due to their failure to make a significant impact, Manna underlined the need for consistent performance.
“Players must earn their place in the Napoli jersey by proving themselves on the field every single day,” Manna said. Regarding Lucca, he noted: “We wanted him, but he clearly must deliver more, especially considering the success of Hojlund, who has settled in so well. Lucca must demonstrate he is truly ready.”
Manna concluded by leaving the door open for mid-season changes: “When it comes to January, we’ll analyze the situation; we won’t rule anything out. Our focus now is simply on accumulating as many points as possible.”
