For a reported sum of £25.7 million, Napoli acquired midfielder Scott McTominay from Manchester United.
The 27-year-old Scotland international, who started attending United’s soccer academy when he was five years old, is leaving after spending his whole career there.
Under four permanent managers, McTominay earned 255 club games since making his United debut in 2017.
The impending acquisition of midfielder Manuel Ugarte from Paris St-Germain was expected to limit his playing time, despite the fact that he scored 10 goals in 43 games the previous season.
McTominay said he would have “snapped your hand off” for his time at Old Trafford in a parting letter to United supporters.
“I’ve absolutely loved it and I’m very, very grateful for the football club and I’m ready for a new challenge and I’m ready to go and embrace it and take it by storm,”
“I want to see Manchester United win, I want to see us do really, really well and I’ll be watching as well. Thank you for having me and I have enjoyed every minute.”
As a homegrown player, McTominay’s departure provides United greater leeway under the Premier League’s Profit and Sustainability regulations, which is another reason why the transfer is advantageous to United.
Manager Erik ten Hag indicated that he had “mixed” views regarding the move.
He spoke:
I’m very happy for him,” “It’s also [a good deal] for us, but it is mixed because I wouldn’t prefer to lose him because he’s Manchester United in everything.
“He was so important for our team, for Manchester United, but unfortunately it’s the rules.
“We have to discuss the rules, when you have to sell and obviously homegrown and academy players bring more value, that’s not the right thing to do.
“But I think for everyone, for all parts it’s a good deal. For Scott, he’s happy with it, for Napoli a very good player, but also for us.”
Romelu Lukaku, a striker, was also signed by Napoli, who are led by former Chelsea and Tottenham manager Antonio Conte, on Thursday.
Additionally, McTominay’s Scotland teammate Billy Gilmour, a 23-year-old from Brighton, is being pursued by the Italian team.
Both parties think the deal will probably happen before the deadline because it has been discussed for the majority of the window.
Read Also: Man Utd Finalizes On £42m Deal In Pursuit Of PSG’s Ugarte
