Scott McTominay left Manchester United in August last year to join Italian outfit Napoli.
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Sport
13:15, 20 Jun 2025
Scott McTominay celebrates
Scott McTominay celebrates
Napoli head coach Antonio Conte has admitted he did not think it would be possible for the Serie A champions to sign Scott McTominay from Manchester United in last summer's transfer window.
McTominay sealed a deadline day switch to the Diego Armando Maradona Stadium after the two clubs agreed on a £25.7million fee. United also inserted a ten per cent sell-on clause into the deal.
Former United manager Erik ten Hag did not want to lose the Scotland international, particularly after he had scored ten goals in the 2023/24 campaign, but his exit counted as 'pure profit' towards the profit and sustainability rules (PSR).
He enjoyed an outstanding debut season in Naples, scoring 13 goals in 36 appearances to help fire Napoli to a second Serie A crown in just three seasons. He also contributed six assists.
Not far off a year since McTominay swapped Manchester for Naples, Napoli chief Conte has revealed he was surprised they were able to secure the 28-year-old's signature.
"Scott is a player whom I knew really well. He was born and raised at Manchester United," Conte told Sky Sport Italia.
"I could see that he always made an impact when he played, but at the same time, I noticed he wasn't used as a key player at Manchester United.
"He was hardly a starter. Honestly, we had talked about it with [Napoli director] Giovanni Manna. He told me it was a possible solution.
"Sometimes, directors make up stories also to keep you calm. If you ask me: 'Have you ever thought McTominay would surely arrive?' I'd say no.
"Don't forget we were heading into a season without European trophies to play for, so he had to leave Manchester United to start over with us."
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