Why Napoli are not closing deal for Juanlu Sanchez | OneFootball

Napoli have identified Sevilla right-back Juanlu Sanchez as an ideal backup to Giovanni Di Lorenzo, but are yet to finalise a €15m transfer, as their priority is to sign players who are regarded as starters.

Napoli have practically booked the signing of Sevilla defender Juanlu Sanchez for circa €15m. The Spaniard wants to move to the Stadio Maradona, so personal terms are not expected to be an issue.

Latest on Juanlu Sanchez to Napoli

LA LINEA DE LA CONCEPCION, SPAIN – OCTOBER 10: Juanlu Sanchez of Spain in action during the UEFA European U21 Championship Qualifying match between Spain and Kazakhstan at Estadio Municipal de La Linea on October 10, 2024 in La Linea de la Concepcion, Spain. (Photo by Fran Santiago/Getty Images)

The defending Serie A champions, however, are reluctant to finalise the deal in the next few hours as their priority is to sign players who are seen as starters for Antonio Conte in 2025-26.

Napoli have identified Juanlu Sanchez as an ideal backup for captain Di Lorenzo at right-back.

Juanlu Sanchez is Napoli’s backup to Di Lorenzo

NAPLES, ITALY – APRIL 27: Scott McTominay celebrates with Giovanni Di Lorenzo and Amir Rrahmani after scoring his side second goal during the Serie A match between Napoli and Torino at Stadio Diego Armando Maradona on April 27, 2025 in Naples, Italy. (Photo by Francesco Pecoraro/Getty Images)

The Partenopei have already signed Luca Marianucci and Kevin De Bruyne and are close to finalising a €30m deal for Bologna centre-back Sam Beukema.

Napoli have also identified Liverpool’s Darwin Nunez as their priority in attack, followed by Lorenzo Lucca.