Former Actual Madrid ahead Antonio Cassano has criticised Napoli’s determination to signal AC Milan’s Noah Okafor on mortgage as a substitute of creating a transfer for Atalanta’s Ademola Lookman as a alternative for Khvicha Kvaratskhelia, Soccernet.ng studies.
Napoli parted methods with Kvaratskhelia early within the winter switch window, promoting the Georgian star to Paris Saint-Germain in a deal price round €75 million.
The departure left a major void in Antonio Conte’s squad because the Serie A giants aimed to maintain tempo within the title race.
Conte made it clear that he needed a high-quality alternative, and Napoli have been linked with a number of attacking choices, together with Lookman and Manchester United’s Alejandro Garnacho. Nevertheless, they opted for Okafor, a choice that Cassano believes was a serious misstep.
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Talking to Viva El Futbol through IlNapoli, Cassano backed Conte’s frustration over Napoli’s strategy out there.
“I agree with what Conte stated: both somebody arrives who makes the distinction, or it’s higher to remain as is,” Cassano famous. I don’t know what Napoli’s philosophy is now, however I’m satisfied that the coach has an thought: with a participant of a sure degree, you win the championship.”
Cassano additionally highlighted Conte’s rising dissatisfaction, declaring that the coach was already displaying indicators of frustration within the weeks main as much as the window’s closure.
“Already in a press convention just a few days in the past, Conte was irritated as a result of nobody had been signed, and he’s proper. In February, nobody imagined that Napoli could be first, with out conceding too many video games, and what do you do? You are taking €75 million from Kvara and purchase Okafor on mortgage. For me, it was the incorrect technique.”
The previous Italy worldwide argued that Napoli ought to have activated Lookman’s €55 million launch clause, even suggesting that they might have used Giacomo Raspadori in a swap deal to safe the Nigerian ahead.
Cassano continued: “So I say… you took 75 million, Lookman’s launch clause (even when he’s injured now) is 55 million… you give them Raspadori and you’re taking a prepared participant who makes the distinction, is aware of Serie A, and Inter needs to be afraid.
“An enormous mistake to not take a high-level participant to switch Kvara. For my part, the membership thought that arriving within the high 4 was a miracle and subsequent yr you’ll be able to spend a nest egg. Conte might be poisoned.”
Lookman, who has been a standout performer for Atalanta, is presently sidelined with a knee damage. Nevertheless, the Tremendous Eagles star is predicted to return to motion in late February, the place he might play a key position in Atalanta’s push for a powerful end to the season.
