Lobotka’s agent: “We have spoken to both Deco and Xavi”

Napoli is preparing a revolution for next summer and Stanislav Lobotka is one of the names that could heat up the transfer market. Xavi, in his pre-match press conference ahead of the Champions League return leg against the Italians, spoke highly of the former Celta player several times, noting that his playing style would fit in well with Barça’s.

In comments to the Slovak media, Lobotka’s agent, Branislav Jasurek revealed he received a number of inquiries about the midfielder last year: “We spoke with Napoli about an offer from the Saudi League. They promised a lot of money but the scouting chief [Maurizio] Micheli refused point blank to negotiate with them. The same thing happened with Osimhen, but in his case, the best offer was from Europe. Saudi Arabia would have changed Stanislav’s financial life, but he wanted to play in the Champions League and if other irrefutable offers arrive in the future, we will evaluate them. He is almost 30 years old, he does not have much time left in professional football,” Jasurek explained.

Lobotka’s desire, according to his representative, is “to play for a club that is fighting to win the Champions League”. Jasurek revealed that Xavi’s statements were not coincidental, and that there has also been contact with Barça: “We spoke with Deco, Barça are keen to sign him, but many things must happen. Stani loved what Xavi said about him - he sent me a screenshot with the phrases, and I replied by sending him another one with all the times me and the coach spoke. Several times asked me how he is getting on...”

The Slovakian midfielder joined Napoli on a five-year, 20 million euro deal from Celta in the 2020 winter transfer window. The Serie A club extended his contract by two years in March 2023, taking him to June 2027. During his four years in southern Italy, Lobotka’s market value has risen to 30 million euros.

This season Lobotka has made 40 appearances for Napoli across four competitions (Serie A, Champions League, Coppa Italia and SuperCoppa Italiana) - starting all but one: the Cup defeat to Frosinone in December. He is rated for his strength as a holding midfielder rather than his goal-scoring abilities but has set up one this season although he has yet to get off the mark himself.