Napoli explain transfer strategy: Premier League the ‘most competitive’ | OneFootball

Gabriele Oriali says the English Premier League is the ‘most competitive league’ in the world: ‘When you bring players from there, you have important guarantees.’

Oriali spoke to DAZN (via TuttoNapoli) minutes before a Serie A game against Cagliari.

The defending Serie A champions have signed several players from the Premier League over the last year, including their latest acquisition, Rasmus Hojlund, who arrived in Italy this evening.

The Denmark international will undergo medical tests on Sunday before completing an initial loan deal with an obligation to buy.

Napoli explain transfer strategy

COPENHAGEN, DENMARK – NOVEMBER 08: Rasmus Hojlund of Manchester United celebrates with teammate Scott McTominay after scoring the team’s first goal during the UEFA Champions League match between F.C. Copenhagen and Manchester United at Parken Stadium on November 08, 2023 in Copenhagen, Denmark. (Photo by Maja Hitij/Getty Images)

“For me, the most competitive league in Europe remains the English one. When you bring players from there, you have important guarantees,” Oriali said.

Napoli signed Hojlund following Romelu Lukaku’s injury earlier this month, which means Lorenzo Lucca is the only available centre-forward currently available for the Partenopei.

Oriali: Lukaku ‘fundamental’ for Napoli

CASTEL DI SANGRO, ITALY – AUGUST 14: Romelu Lukaku of Napoli lies on the pitch after being injured during the pre-season friendly match between Napoli and Olympiacos at Stadio Teofilo Patini on August 14, 2025 in Castel di Sangro, Italy. (Photo by Giuseppe Bellini/Getty Images)

“Lukaku is fundamental for us, a leader on and off the pitch,” said Oriali.

“A technical and character reference point. He is a dressing room figure who makes his presence felt. Lucca, on the other hand, still has to assimilate certain tactical concepts. The coach is very demanding, but the boy will soon fit in.

“We have matured compared to last year, bringing ideas and discipline. We were fortunate to find a group willing to make themselves available despite the difficulties of last season,” Oriali concluded.

“We work on attitude, but you need players who are ready to make sacrifices. Last year, it was the team that won, not the individual. The credit goes to those who understood that with the right spirit, you can achieve great goals.”

The Partenopei beat Sassuolo in their season debut last week and play their first season game at home tonight.

Scott McTominay, Billy Gilmour, Kevin De Bruyne and Frank Anguissa are among the players that Napoli signed from the Premier League in the last few years.