As clubs across the old continent commence their preseason, Rudi García, the fresh technical director at Napoli, has been discussing the future of Hirving Lozano with the Italian team. This discussion arises from the board’s decision to sell the player, who got his start with Pachuca prior to the expiration of his contract, preventing him from walking away as a free agent.
The Mexican forward Lozano, who has the third highest salary in the club according to SalarySport, is being considered for sale to generate profit. The club pays him an impressive 5 million euros each season. Furthermore, with a year still left on his contract, the Napoli board views this as an opportunity to capitalize on their investment.
Speaking with La Gazzetta dello Sport, the French director touched on the challenge of keeping together a squad that recently clinched the Serie A title. He also noted that each player’s willingness to stay with the club plays a pivotal role in this process. “Hirving ‘Chucky’ Lozano is under contract, about to expire, and it is logical for the club to analyze it. I would like to keep everyone. I will talk to each one to see what they want. Maybe they want to leave or stay. I want to keep them,” said Garcia.
Lozano, who moved to the Italian club from PSV Eindhoven in the Netherlands back in August 2019, was Napoli’s most costly acquisition at the time, with a price tag of 45 million euros. The player sometimes referred to as the “diabolical doll,” has since seen his market value decrease. In the span of four years, his worth has diminished to 25 million euros.
The Pachuca-trained striker, since joining Napoli for the 2019-200 season, has appeared in 155 matches across all competitions, making seven appearances in the Champions League. Over his four-season tenure, he has netted 30 goals and provided 17 assists. His tenure at Napoli has been highlighted by winning the Serie A title last season and once in the Italian Super Cup.
Despite the club’s intention to sell, Lozano has continued to report to Napoli, awaiting official word from the board of directors. In recent weeks, teams from Saudi Arabia, England, the United States, and even Liga MX have shown interest in the striker.