Exclusive: Juve and Liverpool set to miss out as Napoli, injured defender near renewal

Matthew Klimberg
05 nov 2017

Injured Napoli defender Faouzi Ghoulam is nearing a contract renewal despite his lengthy recovery time ahead. Prior to rupturing his ACL last week, the Algerian’s future was the source of much speculation as his contract is set to expire in July. However, it appears his strong play will be rewarded with faith and a new contract from Napoli.

Calciomercato.com has exclusively learned that Ghoulam is very close to a renewal. Only some details and language approvals stand in the way of the mutual signatures between club and player.

The injury, and now imminent renewal throw a wrench into Liverpool and Juventus’ plans. The Bianconeri had thought long and hard about bringing Ghoulam to Allianz Stadium in 2018. The main source of debate was whether to pay Napoli for his services in January, or wait for his contract to expire at the end of June.

Now, it appears, Juventus will have to look in another direction to fortify their wingback situation.