Napoli set to sign Ajax winger
Amin Younes is close to joining the Serie A leaders after snubbing an offer from Swansea City.
Football Italia report that multiple sources indicate a €5m deal has been agreed between the two clubs. This would be a bargain for the Partenopei because he has the ability to influence games while also having room to grow. He is only 24-years-old so Maurizio Sarri has plenty of time to mould him into a top player. Injuries have limited his game time this season, but Ajax have been able to deal with his absence well due to Justin Kluivert taking over his role.
Napoli already had an agreement in place due to Younes’ contract running out in the summer. However, interest in the player from other clubs appear to have moved the deal forwards to this transfer window.
Younes helped the Dutch side to the Europa League final last season, but they were unable to beat an experienced Manchester United side. It was a thrilling campaign, though, and the players in the team have received attention from the big European clubs. The fact that the majority of the team, including Younes, were young suggests that they were a special team. He will be the fifth starter, for Ajax, in the final to move to another club.
Their deep run in the competition as well as the exciting style of football means they are much more likely to be a success in a better league. In recent history, the Eredivisie hasn’t been the best indicator of talent because of the time afforded on the ball as well as the poor standard of defending. Sarri must have been impressed with his performances; he is specific with his acquisitions due to the detailed nature of his tactical system.
What would his role be?
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Napoli have a settled starting lineup as Sarri seeks to end their 28 year wait for a league title. Injuries are the main way for the backup players to start games. Therefore, Younes is unlikely to start many games in the league this season due to the understanding between the main players which allows them to play quick, incisive and intricate football all around the pitch. However, he is able to play in the Europa League due to only playing in the qualifying rounds for Ajax.
He is likely to play in the left-wing role as an alternative to Lorenzo Insigne. This means he will probably be limited to substitute appearances, but this is key because it gives Insigne time to rest. Therefore, the Italian is likely to avoid burnout which is important because he is Napoli’s chief creative force.
Younes is adept at cutting inside from the left-wing onto his preferred right foot. From there he is able to either find a teammate in the box or create a goalscoring opportunity for himself through his strong dribbling ability. He is also similar to Insigne in that he can drift into central areas to act as a playmaker.
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Being a backup to José Callejón on the right-wing is unlikely. Adam Ounas could end up being the alternative option for that position. Although he is a completely different player. Regardless, Younes provides Sarri with another creative option to influence matches which is going to be key in the battle for the Serie A title with Juventus.