Napoli have secured the signing of Brazilian winger David Neres who joined the Serie A Giant from Benfica.
According to multiple reports, Napoli have agreed to pay the sum of €30 million to bring the veteran winger to Italy.
Reliable transfer expert Fabrizio Romano reported earlier today, August 18 that Neres is set to arrive in Italy on Sunday and will undergo medical examinations at Villa Stuart on Monday, August 19.
Romano wrote on his X account, former Twitter, stating: “David Neres to Napoli, here we go! Agreement sealed with Benfica for €30m package, add-ons included.”
“Plan confirmed: David travels today to Italy with medical tests booked on Monday, as revealed. Napoli are busy with more signings while Neres is finally done.”
After his medical examinations have been completed, David Neres will then proceed to Naples to sign his new contract with De Laurentiis’ club.
Following his transfer to the Italian side, the 27-year-old Brazilian is expected to earn approximately €3 million net per year, nearly a million more than his current salary in Portugal.
The acquisition of the Brazilian sensation is a key component of Antonio Conte’s transfer strategy, along with targets Billy Gilmour and Romelu Lukaku.
Neres has demonstrated significant improvement in recent seasons, recording five goals and eight assists in 24 league appearances with Benfica last season despite an injury setback.
Neres’ attacking ability on the wing is expected to bring a much-needed change of pace to Conte’s system, particularly once the deal for Lukaku with Chelsea is complete.
Who is David Neres?
David Neres is a Brazilian professional footballer who last played as a winger for Primeira Liga club Benfica and the Brazil national team.
David Neres football career
Brazilian winger David Neres has had quite the journey in his young career, making waves in Europe before making a move to Benfica for €15.3 million.
Neres, who graduated from São Paulo’s youth system and was promoted to the first team in 2016, joined Ajax in January 2017.
It was at Ajax where Neres truly shined, establishing himself as one of the best young wingers in Europe.
The Brazilian played a crucial role in Ajax winning a domestic double and reaching the UEFA Champions League semi-finals in the 2018-19 season.
However, the following seasons were challenging for Neres as he struggled with continuous injuries, limiting his playing time and impacting his performances.
This led to his move to Ukrainian side Shakhtar Donetsk before eventually transferring to Benfica for €15.3 million.
Despite his struggles at club level, Neres has continued to represent his country at the international level.
He was called up to the full Brazilian national team for the first time in March 2019 and was part of the squad that went on to win the 2019 Copa América.
His skills
David Neres is renowned for his dribbling skills and tactical awareness. The 27-year-old’s versatility also includes the ability to read the game and change play unexpectedly from the attacking midfield position.
What’s next?
David Neres is unlikely to play in Napoli’s first game against Verona today, August 18 but he is anticipated to make his debut in the following match against Bologna on Sunday, 25th August.
