NAPLES - Massimiliano Allegri has the central defender he's been waiting for. Napoli has finalized the signing of Benoît Badiashile with Chelsea., born in 2001, called to reinforce a department currently conditioned by the injuries of Alessandro Buongiorno, Luca Marianucci and Sam Beukema.
The transaction was closed on the basis of a 3 million euro loan, to which is added a million bonus, with 27 million expected for the redemption. The overall value of the deal could therefore reach 31 million.
Badiashile expected for visits to Villa Stuart
The French defender is expected in Italy today, while on Wednesday he is expected to undergo medical tests at Villa Stuart, in Rome. Once the checks are completed, the signature will arrive and the transfer will be made official.
A contract with Napoli is ready for Badiashile until 2031. Allegri aims to have him available immediately and could at least bring him to the bench as early as Saturday evening at Marassi, for the league debut against Genoa.
The Frenchman's arrival is particularly significant given the current emergency situation in defence. The Italian coach must contend with the physical conditions of Buongiorno, Marianucci, and Beukema and had asked the club to expedite the search for a new centre-back.
From Chelsea to Napoli to relaunch
Badiashile arrived at Chelsea in January 2023, when the London club bought him from Monaco for around 38 million euros.
His Premier League experience, however, was hampered by several physical problems, which limited his consistency. His last match was in early March, in the FA Cup round of 16 against Wrexham.
The move to Napoli therefore also represents an opportunity for the 25-year-old Frenchman to relaunch his career, whom Allegri considers an important addition to complete the central defenders' package.
Meanwhile it is a day of medical visits at Villa Stuart for Constantine Favasuli, who arrived from Catanzaro. The 2004-born full-back also has a contract until 2031.
With Favasuli and Badiashile, Napoli's transfer market is in full swing right on the eve of the start of the championship.
