Scott McTominay Set for Napoli Move: A New Chapter in Italy Under Antonio Conte

Scott McTominay Set for Napoli Move: A New Chapter in Italy Under Antonio Conte

Scott McTominay, the 27-year-old Manchester United midfielder, is on the verge of a significant move to Serie A giants Napoli. As negotiations progress, with all parties aiming to finalise terms, the Scottish international looks set to embark on a new challenge in Italy, under the guidance of Antonio Conte. With a deal reportedly worth around €30 million plus a percentage of any future sale, this transfer holds crucial implications for both Manchester United's financial compliance and Napoli's midfield dynamics.

McTominay's Profile: From Manchester to Naples

Standing at 193 cm, McTominay has been a physically imposing presence in Manchester United’s midfield. An academy graduate, his departure would be a financial boon for the Red Devils, representing 'pure profit'—a key factor for the club as they navigate Financial Fair Play (FFP) regulations. With a contract at Old Trafford until 2025 and an option to extend for an additional year, Manchester United still holds significant control over his immediate future, but the move to Napoli appears increasingly likely as discussions advance.

McTominay has developed a reputation as a goal-scoring midfielder, a trait that has become more pronounced in recent seasons. In the 2023-24 campaign, he enjoyed his best goal-scoring return to date, netting 10 times in 43 appearances for Manchester United. His improved finishing has also been evident on the international stage, where he has scored eight goals for Scotland since March 2023. This newfound goal threat is what sets McTominay apart and is likely one of the key attributes that attracted Conte and Napoli to secure his services.

Style of Play and Potential Role at Napoli

McTominay’s style of play is characterised by his physicality, aerial ability, and his knack for getting on the end of crosses and loose balls in the box. He ranked in the 97th percentile for goal threat among Premier League midfielders last season, underscoring his ability to find the back of the net. This is particularly impressive given his role as a box-to-box midfielder rather than an out-and-out attacker.

However, McTominay's game is not without its limitations. He ranks in the bottom 12th percentile for chance creation, which suggests that he is not the type of midfielder who consistently creates opportunities for his teammates. Instead, McTominay is a player who thrives when he is positioned closer to the opponent's goal, ready to capitalise on opportunities rather than orchestrate them. This attribute harks back to his days in the Manchester United academy, where he was often deployed as a centre forward before being transitioned into midfield by Jose Mourinho.

Comparison with Billy Gilmour

Comparatively, Billy Gilmour, another Scottish midfielder and a potential future teammate at Napoli, offers a different skill set. Gilmour is more technically proficient, excelling in ball retention and progressive passing. His ability to control the tempo of the game and distribute from deep positions contrasts sharply with McTominay’s more direct, goal-oriented approach. This contrast could be pivotal in how Conte chooses to deploy the two players.

Given McTominay's strengths and weaknesses, it is unlikely that Conte will use him in a deeper midfield role where tactical intelligence and distribution from deep are essential. Instead, McTominay is expected to be deployed closer to the attack, where his primary responsibilities will include arriving late in the box, capitalising on set-pieces, and supporting the forward line.

Fitting into Conte's System at Napoli

Antonio Conte, known for his tactical rigidity and preference for a well-drilled, defensively solid team, will need to integrate McTominay’s unique skill set into a Napoli side that suffered a disappointing 0-3 defeat to Verona in their opening match of the season. Conte's teams typically operate with a three-man midfield, where roles are clearly defined. In such a system, McTominay could play as one of the more advanced midfielders, tasked with making late runs into the box and providing a physical presence in the final third.

The partnership between McTominay and Gilmour, should it materialise, could be intriguing. While Gilmour controls the midfield tempo and progresses the ball, McTominay could focus on his strengths—breaking forward, pressing high, and adding a goal threat. This dynamic could offer Conte a balanced midfield, capable of both controlling possession and posing a significant threat in the opposition’s penalty area.

Conclusion: A New Challenge in Serie A

Scott McTominay’s impending move to Napoli marks a new chapter in his career, one that could see him flourish in a system tailored to his strengths. While his style may not be the most technical or creative, his goal-scoring ability and physical presence make him a valuable asset, particularly in a Conte-led team. If the deal goes through, McTominay will have the opportunity to prove himself in Serie A, and possibly cement his place as a key figure in Napoli's push for success under their new manager.

For Manchester United, the sale of McTominay is not just about squad restructuring but also about ensuring compliance with FFP regulations. With the potential arrival of Manuel Ugarte to fill the void, United might view McTominay’s departure as a necessary step in their long-term strategy.

As McTominay prepares for this next step in his career, all eyes will be on how he adapts to the demands of Italian football and whether he can bring his goal-scoring prowess to a new stage in Naples.