EXCLUSIVE: Middleman reveals André Gomes ‘interested’ in Napoli move
In order to understand the current status of negotiations, calciomercato.com has interviewed the middleman in the talks between the two clubs: Vincenzo Morabito.
Is it possible for Napoli to sign André Gomes?
“He is a very important player and Napoli are chasing him. I think he could join the club”
Valencia’s manager Gary Neville has asked the club not to sell the player…
“He is a mainstay at Valencia and Neville’s request is reasonable. The are other problems, by the way, as the player’s future depends on Jorge Mendes [André Gomes’ agent]. Mendes is in business with Valencia’s president Peter Lim and in these cases the player’s will, unfortunately, is put on the back burner. Players become like properties to move somewhere else. We need to change this kind of rules in modern football.”
Are you referring to TPOs?
“Sure I am. Players are victims on these founds. The problem in this negotiation is Jorge Mendes. We are trying to talk to him more than with Valencia. But the transfer is up to him, maybe he’d prefer to sell the player to other clubs which are closer to him.”
Is the player interested to join Napoli?
“Yes he is. He’d really love to join Napoli like many other players right now. They are battling it out for a Serie A title and they are the favorite side to win Europa League. Valencia belong to Peter Lim and there are different problems. Napoli are also interested to sign him, but it they still have to understand how negotiations will carry on.”
So, no official offer has been made yet…
“No, not yet. Not even a request of loan with buy-out clause. We are still trying to understand how negotiations will develop. Gomes, by the way, is not the only midfielder chased by Napoli. Take [Roberto] Soriano, by instance. They have set sights on him too.”
Talking about Soriano, Do you think he could replace André Gomes at Valencia?
“I don’t think so. Gomes’ replacement will probably be another Portuguese player that Mendes will buy from one of the clubs in business with him.”
