The Serie A market value update is scheduled for May 29, a date that will completely reshape Transfermarkt’s valuations for Italy’s top division. In the meantime, you can take part in the analysis. Today, we focus on Napoli’s market values as that date approaches, highlighting the hottest topics in the Naples camp.
Is Conte’s project already at the end of its cycle?
Everyone knows how effective Antonio Conte is when the goal is a Scudetto, even when the team is an underdog; in fact, it adds extra motivation. However, apart from his three years at Juventus, the Apulian coach has never spent more than two seasons at a club, working on short-term cycles, exploiting what works, and then moving on to the next challenge. After the risk of a split already in his first year, this shadow is now reappearing in Naples.
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Is this a problem for market values? By itself, it wouldn’t be an issue, but the entire context raises doubts. The many injuries have reduced visibility and consistency for most players; the limited squad rotation, unless forced, is a trademark that benefits a few and harms the rest; the average age, by direct choice of the coach who wants top or at least ready-made players, is high and penalizes potential value increases; finally, the spectacular failure in the Champions League, finishing 30th behind Pafos and Copenhagen in the group stage, hasn’t helped the cause. Therefore, only the few young players who have managed to shine will grab the spotlight, but there are many borderline cases.
The goalkeeping battle won by VMS
The season opened with a contest between the two Scudetto-winning goalkeeper, Alex Meret, and new signing Vanja Milinković-Savić, who arrived for €21 million due to his skill with his feet and his ability to launch long, powerful, and precise passes. The former lost his place due to injuries and inconsistent performances, and his value could suffer greatly. The latter already got a bump from his transfer, but at 29 years old and not considered among the season’s best custodians, it’s hard to imagine an increase. How do you see them compared to other Serie A goalkeepers? Here’s the comparison:
Vanja Milinković-Savić (SSC Napoli) – Market value: €20.00m – Age: 29 – Role: Goalkeeper – Contract until: 30/06/2030
Alex Meret (SSC Napoli) – Market value: €14.00m – Age: 29 – Role: Goalkeeper – Contract until: 30/06/2027
Napoli’s defense: a tough year, but Gutiérrez stands out
A constant for Conte has been defensive balance, not just for the backline itself but a team concept that involves all players. However, various injuries and issues have made the job complicated, especially in the three-man defense. Amir Rrahmani was the defensive leader but missed 22 games this season, leaving others to fill in (a decline?) and forcing Conte to bring back Juan Jesus and try Olivera as a center-back. The main problems were faced by Alessandro Buongiorno and Sam Beukema: the former was supposed to be a cornerstone but disappointed repeatedly, ironically in a year with fewer injuries; the latter struggled to adapt to his new tactical role. Their positions among Serie A center-backs in terms of valuation are therefore up for debate.
One forum user highlighted that Gutiérrez has been Napoli’s best signing after Højlund, a full-back he had followed since his Girona days, strong not only technically but also in the fundamentals of the role. Due to emergencies, Conte has worked him hard, but the young Spaniard’s value continues to rise.
