Napoli digs in as Saudi Pro League circles Scott McTominay with big-money interest

Scott McTominay is apparently the most popular midfielder nobody can buy. Saudi Pro League clubs, most notably Al-Hilal, have been circling the former Manchester United man for months. Napoli’s response has been a polite but firm version of “absolutely not.”

The Italian club paid around €30 million (roughly £25 million) to bring McTominay from Old Trafford in August 2024. Less than two years later, they’re treating him like a player worth multiples of that fee, rejecting bids from at least one Saudi Pro League club and several Premier League teams as recently as May 2026.

Why Napoli won’t budge

The club has reportedly tagged McTominay as “untouchable” and initiated contract extension talks aimed at keeping McTominay well beyond his current deal, which runs through June 2028. The new proposal could extend his stay until 2030 or later.

Saudi interest in the midfielder isn’t new either. Reports of Al-Hilal’s pursuit surfaced as far back as June 2025, with another wave of speculation hitting in March 2026. Neither attempt produced a transfer. The latest push appears to be the most aggressive yet, but the outcome looks identical.

What this means for the transfer market

The €30 million Napoli paid for McTominay already looks like a bargain. His contributions in Serie A have elevated him from a useful squad player at Manchester United to a cornerstone midfielder at one of Italy’s top clubs.

The contract extension negotiations are worth watching closely. If McTominay signs through 2030, it eliminates any leverage buyers might gain as the current 2028 deal enters its final years.

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