De Laurentiis Explains Napoli’s Market Strategy: “Buying Now Is 30% More Expensive”

Napoli president Aurelio De Laurentiis addressed a wide range of topics, from transfers to the current state of football and stadiums in Italy.

“Things went very well this year,” De Laurentiis stated. “Conte handled every setback brilliantly. Some said the league was weak, but it’s false — Bologna and Lazio were strong, and Roma with Ranieri had their own success. The final table means little. Let’s not forget: football is in crisis. Even the Premier League, the richest in the world, loses $855 million annually. If DAZN left France, and someone wins the league with a 20-point lead, something’s broken.”

He added: “The football institutions should hold a general assembly, not to please themselves, but to admit we’re not here just putting on a show. No transfer talk today — let’s give space to Trentino and Abruzzo. You’ll write about us buying 50 players anyway. I read the news and laugh. According to the press, we’ve already signed 70 players.”

On Transfers and De Bruyne

“De Bruyne? We started talks three months ago. He’s world-class, but he’s also aging. He’s not our biggest target. We need to strengthen the team for four competitions: Serie A, Coppa Italia, Supercoppa, and Champions League. There will be many signings.”

“Of course, I’d like to have the players right now,” he said. “But if you buy now, you pay 30% more. If you wait, you risk other clubs jumping in — but you negotiate better. Also, the Club World Cup will involve 32 teams. Maybe we’ll scout someone there, but players need rest or risk injury.”

Systemic Problems in Italian Football

De Laurentiis criticized the structure of football: “We’re like punch-drunk boxers stepping back into the ring without knowing we’re dying. The sport loses money but keeps expanding competitions. Contracts should last 8 years. Stadiums? The Maradona was always full, thanks to our staff — but structurally, it’s outdated. PSG rents theirs for $1 million a year and earns $143 million — that’s the difference.”

“We’ve always developed players, but let’s be honest — not every academy product is ready for a top team. Loans help some grow. Italy isn’t like England, but even there, they’re suffering. Look at the NBA — they paused the season for six months to fix the system. Maybe we should too.”

“This year, we’ll spend $342 million between transfer fees and salaries. Then a second-division team asks for a loan and wants us to pay 50% of the salary. What are you doing here? Let’s reset the system and only promote clubs with real revenue. Without audience and financial power, how can you compete with the big clubs?”

On Preseason Plans and Ownership

“There will be 2 friendlies in Dimaro and 3 in Castel di Sangro. I’ve rejected long trips — once we went to the US with Ancelotti and I regretted it. We’ve had teams from Spain, France, Germany come to us. They’ll do so again this year.”

“In 2018 I received an offer of $900 million. If they offer $2.5 billion, I won’t sell. Napoli is about Napoli — it’s our identity. I’ll be here as long as I live. After that, my children will decide what to do.”