Leeds United Linked to £15m Premier League Misfit, But Napoli Set to Secure Deal
Leeds United’s pursuit of a new signing has taken a twist, as reports indicate that £15 million-rated Premier League misfit, Abdoulaye Doucouré, is on the verge of completing a move to Serie A giants Napoli instead.
The 31-year-old midfielder, whose time at Everton has been marred by inconsistent performances and injury struggles, had been previously linked with a potential transfer to Leeds United. The Whites, seeking to bolster their midfield options after a rocky start to the season, were reportedly exploring a deal to bring Doucouré to Elland Road. However, despite the club’s interest, it appears the Senegalese international is now poised to join Napoli, with the Italian side offering him a fresh start in the Serie A.
Doucouré, who arrived at Everton from Watford for a fee of £20 million in 2020, never quite managed to live up to expectations at Goodison Park. His performances have often been overshadowed by Everton’s struggles in the Premier League, and despite showing glimpses of his talent, the midfielder failed to establish himself as a regular starter under various managers.
Napoli’s interest in Doucouré comes at a time when the club is looking to strengthen its squad after a successful season that saw them lift the Serie A title in 2023. With the departure of key players and an eye on building a team capable of competing both domestically and in European competitions, Napoli’s move for Doucouré represents an attempt to add depth and experience to their midfield. The club is reportedly prepared to pay a fee in the region of £15 million, which is in line with what Everton initially paid for him, signaling that the Toffees may finally cut their losses on the player.
For Leeds United, this development is a blow, as the club had hoped to secure a deal for Doucouré in their efforts to add more quality and leadership to their squad. Manager Daniel Farke had been looking to build a more solid and balanced midfield after Leeds’ relegation from the Premier League and their subsequent return to the Championship. Doucouré’s power, work rate, and experience could have been useful assets to the team’s midfield, but it seems Napoli’s project holds more allure for the player at this stage of his career.
Everton, meanwhile, will likely be eager to offload Doucouré to make room for new signings as they continue to navigate financial difficulties. The player’s move to Napoli, should it be finalized, will mark a new chapter in his career, with hopes that the change in environment will help him rediscover his form.
As the transfer window continues to unfold, Leeds United will need to reassess their midfield options, while Napoli will look to finalize the deal for the player who once looked like a rising star in the Premier League but is now seeking a fresh start in Italy.