Reports in Italy suggest Napoli could be prepared to listen to offers for Marek Hamsik when the transfer window reopens in the New Year.
The Slovakian international has long been regarded as one of the best midfield players in Serie A, having initially linked up with Brescia in the summer of 2004. He spent three years at the Stadio Mario Rigamonti, during which was able to more than prove he was capable of plying his trade in one of the top divisions in Europe and caught the eye of Partenopei.
A fee of just £3.5million was enough to prise Hamsik from the Rondinelle, and this has proved a huge bargain for Napoli. The 27-year-old has gone on to make over 250 league appearances for the club, scoring 70 times, whilst he has helped them win the Coppa Italia on two occasions, the first off which was in 2012 when he scored the second in a 2-0 win over Juventus.
Aurelio de Laurentiis, who has owned the Sao Paolo club since 1995, has always been able to resist offers for Hamsik in the past, despite the player being linked with the likes of Juventus, Chelsea and Manchester United. However, according to calciomercato, he could now be willing to listen to offers for the club captain when the winter transfer window reopens in the New Year.
The midfielder was substituted during the 2-2 with Empoli this weekend and was jeered by the Neapolitan crowd, whilst it has also been reported that his wide was insulted by a fan as she left the stadium. And with Manolo Gabbiadini being tipped to join from Sampdoria in the New Year, the previously stated publication claims Hamsik could be placed up for sale to finance this move.
With his contract set to run until the summer of 2018, Napoli could demand a large fee for his signature. Indeed, should they let it be known that he is for sale, it would likely spark an auction for his services which could net Rafael Benitez around £30million to reinvest in his squad.
Would Napoli seriously consider selling Hamsik, or does he remain a key player for them? Let us know what you think by joining the discussion below.
