McTominay enjoyed a dream debut season in Naples, but might be targeted with an aggressive attempt to lure him away.
Scott McTominay couldn’t have wished for a better start in Italian football, but a surprise move is apparently in the works to take him away from Napoli.
McTominay blended in brilliantly in Naples and Serie A, becoming an icon virtually overnight and finishing the season as the Italian top division’s MVP.
Only Romelu Lukaku scored more goals for the Partenopei, who won their fourth Scudetto thanks to McTominay’s stunning volley in the final game of the season.
The former Manchester United midfielder has won over Napoli fans and been dubbed a ‘genius’ by the Italian media, who have already seen his impact on Antonio Conte’s club.
The raucous reception he received as the new league champions were reintroduced to the Diego Maradona supporters before lifting the trophy said volumes.
However, McTominay, who departed Old Trafford last summer after more than 20 years with the club for a reputed cost of £25.7 million, is in higher demand than ever following his outstanding Serie A season.
According to Alfredo Padula, Saudi Pro League team Al Hilal, which is majority controlled by the Saudi state’s Public Investment Fund, wants the 28-year-old Lancastrian to play alongside Ruben Neves and Sergej Milinkovic-Savic in the midfield.
Simone Inzaghi, the head coach of Al Hilal, is intimately familiar with McTominay’s ability. In 2024-25, the former Lazio striker led Inter Milan to a second-place finish behind Napoli in a dramatic title chase.
Napoli turned down Al Hilal’s interest, which would have come as a surprise. The Scotland international has three years remaining on his contract and proven his worth last season.
The player is unlikely to have been interested in a move. He and Napoli appear to be an ideal match after years of being overlooked as a Manchester United player.
Al Hilal finished second in the Saudi Pro League, eight points behind the champions Al Ittihad.
Inzaghi was appointed to replace Jorge Jesus in time for the Club World Cup, in which Al Hilal is Saudi Arabia’s sole representative.
They face a key second group match against Red Bull Salzburg on Sunday, following a draw against Real Madrid in Miami.
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