Eljif Elmas is poised to depart Napoli for a second time, as the club has confirmed they will not be exercising their €17 million purchase option. This comes despite the Macedonian midfielder having a strong season, which garnered significant praise from manager Antonio Conte.
The 26-year-old midfielder rejoined Napoli on loan from RB Leipzig last summer. He participated in 43 matches across all competitions, notably scoring a crucial goal against Torino in March. Following this performance, Conte lauded Elmas, stating, “Let’s not forget Saint Elmas, they should build a statue of him. He understands football, gets into the game, is versatile and can play both as a central midfielder and as a trequartista. He is a surprising lad.”
Aston Villa Ready to Initiate Talks for Elmas Amidst Sunderland Interest
Despite the glowing endorsement from Conte, Napoli’s decision not to activate the purchase clause means Elmas will return to Leipzig before seeking his next club.
Reports indicate that Sunderland have expressed interest. However, it is understood that the Championship club may not be the most appealing destination for the former Fenerbahce player at this point in his career.
Aston Villa, on the other hand, presents a much more attractive prospect. Having already secured a spot in next season’s Champions League, the Villans have made an initial inquiry and are prepared to commence formal negotiations once the current season concludes. This opportunity is believed to be significantly more appealing to Elmas.
Throughout his two stints with Napoli, Elmas made a total of 232 appearances for the club. This substantial contribution, however, was ultimately not enough to persuade club owner Aurelio De Laurentiis to meet Leipzig’s asking price.
English Translation:
Eljif Elmas is set to leave Napoli for the second time, as the club has confirmed they will not be exercising their €17 million purchase option. This decision comes despite the Macedonian midfielder enjoying a positive season, which earned him glowing praise from Antonio Conte.
The 26-year-old returned to Napoli on loan from RB Leipzig last summer and made 43 appearances across all competitions, contributing a goal against Torino in March that prompted Conte to speak highly of him. At the time, the coach said, “Let’s not forget Saint Elmas, they should build a statue of him. He understands football, gets into the game, is versatile and can play both as a central midfielder and as a trequartista. He is a surprising lad.”
Aston Villa Ready to Open Talks for Elmas as Sunderland Interest Fails to Convince
Despite the praise, Napoli’s decision not to activate the clause means Elmas will return to Leipzig before moving on to his next destination.
According to TMW, Sunderland have registered interest, though the Championship club are not considered an attractive proposition for the former Fenerbahce man at this stage of his career.
Aston Villa represents a far more compelling option. Already confirmed for next season’s Champions League, the Villans have made an initial enquiry and are prepared to open formal discussions once the season concludes. That prospect is understood to appeal considerably more to Elmas.
In total across his two spells at Napoli, the midfielder made 232 appearances for the club, a significant contribution that ultimately could not persuade De Laurentiis to meet Leipzig’s asking price.
