Napoli face tight winter window, new rules favour loan deals | OneFootball

Recent analyses published by various national outlets confirm a now clear picture: Napoli, barring surprises, will be able to engage in the January transfer market almost exclusively through temporary arrangements.

Napoli, Winter Market with Limited Margins: New Financial Parameters Push Towards Loan Deals

The new rules on liquidity parameters and the revenue-to-extended labor cost ratio are indeed imposing concrete limits on Aurelio De Laurentiis' club, despite historically solid financial management.

The New Constraints: The Issue of the Extended Labor Cost (CLA)

According to Repubblica Napoli, the critical point concerns the failure to meet the parameter related to the CLA, the ratio between revenue and extended labor cost, which must not exceed 0.8. This index, inspired by UEFA's "squad cost rule," takes into account not only salaries but also card amortizations and commissions.

The new regulatory model, introduced by the initiative of Lega Serie A and approved by the clubs themselves, aims to replace the previous liquidity index logic, deemed too permissive. However, according to Corriere dello Sport, many clubs have not fully understood the immediate impact of these new criteria.

As of today, the commission chaired by Atelli – which replaced the historic Covisoc – is analyzing the documentation submitted by December 1st. The response will arrive by mid-month. Clubs out of parameter risk a "soft block": the possibility to operate only at zero balance.

Who is at Risk: Napoli and Beyond

Estimates published by Corriere dello Sport indicate that between 6 and 7 Serie A teams could be non-compliant with the 0.8 limit. Napoli and Lazio emerge as the main cases, albeit for different reasons:

Napoli: has significantly increased labor costs due to investments in player cards and consequent amortizations;

Lazio: has seen a reduction in revenue compared to previous seasons.

Several medium-small clubs, such as Sassuolo, Torino, Genoa, Roma, Fiorentina, and Pisa, would also be exposed, although some have already undertaken corrective measures through direct ownership involvement.

The Consequences on Napoli's Market: Only Loans

If the commission's assessment confirms current forecasts, Napoli will be forced to operate only with zero economic impact moves, favoring temporary sales and acquisitions.

In this context, the name of Kobbie Mainoo, a 20-year-old from Manchester United, emerges as the priority for the midfield according to multiple sources. The operation would perfectly align with the zero balance constraint: United would only let him go on loan, and the player aims for more playing time to not jeopardize his chances of participating in the next World Cup.

"Napoli wants to close within a couple of weeks," reads the in-depth report from Repubblica Napoli, but the team will have to face a challenging schedule with a reduced squad in the meantime.

A January Conditioned by Finances

The emerging picture is that of an unusually rigid January market. The new financial rules aim to reduce systemic risk and bring Italian clubs closer to UEFA standards, but their immediate impact could affect more clubs than expected.

For Napoli, this means working meticulously, maximizing smart operations, and taking advantage of opportunities offered by loans. January will not be the month of investments, but of sustainability.

This article was translated into English by Artificial Intelligence. You can read the original version in 🇮🇹 here.