Napoli are setting their sights on a double raid on Bologna, with Swiss winger Dan Ndoye emerging as a top target for manager Antonio Conte and Dutch centre-back Sam Beukema also on the club’s radar.
Initial contacts have been made with Bologna as Napoli look to bolster their squad following a triumphant Serie A title win in the 2024-25 season.
The Partenopei, under the guidance of sporting director Giovanni Manna, are moving swiftly to secure their transfer targets ahead of the summer window, aiming to maintain their competitive edge in Italian and European football.
The interest in Ndoye and Beukema comes as Napoli seeks to reinforce their attacking and defensive units, with Conte’s tactical vision driving the club’s recruitment strategy.
With the January transfer window now closed, Napoli are already planning for the summer, and the Bologna duo’s standout performances in Serie A and the UEFA Champions League have made them prime candidates for a move to the Diego Armando Maradona Stadium.
Dan Ndoye, Conte’s Ideal Winger
Dan Ndoye, the 24-year-old Swiss international, has been a revelation for Bologna since joining from FC Basel in August 2023 for a modest €9 million. His dynamic performances on the wing, combining blistering pace, technical flair, and an eye for goal, have caught the attention of several top clubs across Europe.
However, it is Napoli, led by Conte, who have placed Ndoye at the top of their wishlist for a new winger, particularly following the departure of star attacker Khvicha Kvaratskhelia earlier this season.
Ndoye’s 2024-25 campaign has been nothing short of spectacular. The versatile forward, capable of playing on either flank, has contributed eight goals and four assists in 30 Serie A appearances, starting 26 matches and logging 2,151 minutes.
His highlight-reel moments include a stunning back-heel goal in a 1-1 draw against Napoli in April 2025, which left Conte’s side stunned, and a decisive strike in Bologna’s Coppa Italia final victory over AC Milan, securing the club’s first title in the competition in 51 years.
Conte, known for his preference for hard-working, tactically disciplined players, reportedly sees Ndoye as the perfect fit for his system. The Swiss star’s ability to play as a traditional winger or as a wing-back, as demonstrated during Switzerland’s UEFA Euro 2024 campaign, aligns with Conte’s penchant for fluidity in wide areas.
Napoli’s interest is not new—reports indicate the club made a €20 million bid for Ndoye in January 2025, only to be rebuffed by Bologna, who were unwilling to let their star man go mid-season.
Now, with negotiations reignited, Napoli are prepared to meet Bologna’s reported €40 million valuation for Ndoye, whose contract runs until 2027.
The player himself has remained coy about his future, recently stating, “I love Bologna, but in football, you never know what can happen.” This openness has fuelled speculation that a move to Naples could be on the horizon, especially given Conte’s personal admiration for the player.
Sam Beukema’s Defensive Reinforcement
Alongside Ndoye, Napoli have set their sights on Bologna’s towering centre-back Sam Beukema, with initial contacts already underway between the two clubs. The 26-year-old Dutch defender has developed into one of Serie A’s most reliable centre-backs since joining Bologna from AZ Alkmaar in 2023.
His composure on the ball, aerial prowess, and tactical intelligence have been instrumental in Bologna’s impressive performances under former manager Thiago Motta and current boss Vincenzo Italiano.
Beukema, who has been linked with a first call-up to the Netherlands national team, has contributed to 22 clean sheets over his two seasons with Bologna, showcasing his ability to anchor a backline.
His performances in high-stakes matches, including Bologna’s Champions League campaign, have drawn interest from several clubs, including Chelsea, Inter Milan, and Juventus.
However, Napoli’s recent title success and Conte’s reputation for transforming defences have positioned them as frontrunners in the race for Beukema’s signature.
Bologna have reportedly set a €30 million price tag on Beukema, a figure that reflects his importance to the team and his short-term contract, which has sparked speculation about his future.
Napoli’s interest in the defender is part of a broader strategy to strengthen their backline, with Conte reportedly keen to pair Beukema with existing centre-backs like Amir Rrahmani and Juan Jesus to create a robust defensive unit capable of competing in both Serie A and the Champions League.
Strategic Moves in a Competitive Market
Napoli’s pursuit of Ndoye and Beukema is part of a broader transfer strategy orchestrated by Manna and Conte, who are determined to build a squad capable of defending their Serie A crown and making an impact in Europe.
The club’s recent high-profile moves, including the impending arrival of Kevin De Bruyne and talks with Paris Saint-Germain’s Carlos Soler, underline their ambition to compete at the highest level.
However, Napoli faces stiff competition for both players. Ndoye has also attracted interest from Juventus, Manchester United, AC Milan, Inter Milan, and Liverpool, with Bologna potentially open to a big-money sale to maximise their profit, as they did with Riccardo Calafiori and Joshua Zirkzee last summer.
Beukema, meanwhile, remains on the radar of Chelsea, Inter, and Juventus, with Bologna keen to secure a contract renewal to boost his value.
The initial contacts between Napoli and Bologna have been described as productive, with a recent meeting between Manna and Bologna’s sporting director, Giovanni Sartor,i covering not only Ndoye and Beukema but also other potential targets like Lewis Ferguson and Riccardo Orsolini.
Napoli’s financial muscle, bolstered by their recent title success and Champions League revenue, gives them an edge, but Bologna’s reputation for driving hard bargains means negotiations could be complex.
Conte’s Vision and Napoli’s Ambition
Antonio Conte’s influence on Napoli’s transfer strategy cannot be overstated. The Italian tactician, who has a history of turning talented players into stars, sees Ndoye as a key piece in his attacking setup, capable of providing the width and creativity needed to unlock defences.
Beukema, meanwhile, fits Conte’s mould of a modern, ball-playing centre-back who can initiate attacks from deep while maintaining defensive solidity.
For Napoli fans, the prospect of adding two of Serie A’s brightest talents to an already formidable squad is cause for excitement.
The club’s proactive approach in the transfer market signals their intent to build on their 2024-25 success and establish themselves as a dominant force in Italian football. With Conte at the helm, Napoli are not just chasing players—they are chasing a legacy.
