Napoli rejects Al Hilal's interest in Serie A MVP McTominay amid strong performance

I am enjoying the best time of my life in Italy. Scott McTominay (29, Napoli), who left Manchester United, has received a love call from a prestigious Saudi Arabian club.

British outlet 'Goal.com' reported on the 22nd (Korean time) that "Al Hilal wants McTominay! They are aiming to recruit McTominay, who led Napoli to the Serie A title and won the league's Most Valuable Player (MVP) award. However, Napoli does not want to sell him."

Scottish national team midfielder McTominay has blossomed this season at Napoli. Under the guidance of coach Antonio Conte, he recorded 12 goals and 6 assists in 34 Serie A matches, establishing himself as a key midfielder for Napoli. Notably, he showcased improved scoring ability, contributing the second most goals on the team after Romelu Lukaku (14 goals).

Thanks to his efforts, Napoli clinched the Serie A title, surpassing Inter Milan after fierce competition. This is their first Scudetto in two years since the 2022-2023 season with Kim Min-jae. McTominay scored the opening and winning goal in the final match, demonstrating his significant contribution until the end.

McTominay has literally transformed. He left Manchester United to don the Napoli jersey ahead of the 2024-2025 season. The transfer fee was €30.5 million (approximately 48.3 billion won), with a contract period of four years. It was the now-dismissed Eric Ten Hag, the Manchester United coach, who decided to part ways with McTominay, as he was considered a 'symbolic burden' at Manchester United due to his lack of finesse with the ball.

However, McTominay has been reborn under Coach Conte. He has fully unleashed the scoring instinct that was already evident during his time at Manchester United, capturing the affection of many Napoli fans. Napoli fans even bestowed upon him nicknames 'Mac Maradona' and 'Mac Terminator,' likening him to the late Diego Maradona. Praise continues for him as the best signing in Serie A.

McTominay has concealed his previous roughness, enhancing his strengths in decision-making and physicality. He has been completely transformed since his time at Manchester United and has caught the radar of Al Hilal. It has been reported that Simone Inzaghi, who recently took over at Al Hilal after leaving Inter, wants McTominay.

'Football Italia' and Italian journalist Alfredo Pedullà reported that Al Hilal informally inquired about the possibility of recruiting McTominay from Napoli. Al Hilal finished second in the Saudi Pro League last season, falling behind Al Ittihad, and is pursuing squad enhancements to reclaim the championship trophy. Coach Inzaghi hopes to build a dream midfield with McTominay, Ruben Neves, and Sergej Milinković-Savić.

However, Napoli firmly rejected Al Hilal's offer. Pedullà noted, "Al Hilal attempted to sign McTominay, but it was merely an inquiry. Inzaghi tried to gauge McTominay's market value, but there is no possibility of a transfer. Napoli believes they absolutely cannot sell McTominay. This is not surprising."

The decision for Conte to remain at Napoli is a crucial factor. Pedullà explained, "McTominay joined Napoli last summer and was the star of the season. He is very satisfied at Napoli and has no intention of leaving the team. Particularly, Conte's continuation is great news for him."

Football Italia also stated, "McTominay has not been put on the transfer market. While Al Hilal tried to negotiate a contract with him, Napoli didn't even discuss the possibility. McTominay is not considering any moves to leave Napoli for another club this summer."

In conclusion, the chances of McTominay donning the Al Hilal uniform this summer are slim. Unless Al Hilal presents an irresistible offer backed by enormous 'oil money,' it seems impossible to separate Napoli and McTominay. McTominay is soaring in value after leaving Manchester United.

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