Napoli Rejected ‘Surreal’ Lazio Offer for Italy International

After pursuing the player for several weeks, Lazio failed to secure an agreement with Napoli for Michael Folorunsho.

The 26-year-old is a Biancocelesti youth product who eventually made a name for himself in Serie A with a stellar campaign on loan at Hellas Verona before returning to Napoli this summer. Despite earning a new contract, Antonio Conte decided to drop him from his plans, while a return to Lazio was on the cards, with Marco Baroni keen to reunite with his pupil.

Nevertheless, the two clubs couldn’t find an accord over the formula and the figures. According to Italian journalist Alfredo Pedullà, Lazio made a “surreal” last-ditch attempt to sign Folorunsho on deadline day. The Italian capital side wanted to sign the Italy international on a free loan with an option to buy – instead of an obligation.

Napoli Turned Down Low-Ball Lazio Offer for Folorunsho

Needless to say, Napoli refused the proposal, even if it meant keeping a player who’s deemed surplus to requirements. The Biancocelesti were linked with several midfielders on deadline day, including Aster Vranckx and Sandi Lovric, but no reinforcement arrived on this front.

The only player to sign for Lazio on Friday was Olympique Marseille defender Samuel Gigot. On the other hand, Nicolo Casale joined Bologna while Danilo Cataldi ended up at Fiorentina.