As reported by numerous media outlets, Napoli are closing in on a deal to sign PSV Eindhoven winger Hirving Lozano as a plan B following failed attempts to sign James Rodriguez.
EINDHOVEN, NETHERLANDS – AUGUST 11: Hirving Lozano of PSV during the Dutch Eredivisie match between PSV v ADO Den Haag at the Philips Stadium on August 11, 2019 in Eindhoven Netherlands (Photo by Photo Prestige/Soccrates/Getty Images)
Ever since James Rodriguez joined Real Madrid back in 2014, he struggled to find a permanent spot in Los Blancos. Real Madrid sent him on a loan to Bayern Munich, hoping Rodriguez will persuade the German champions into a permanent singing, however, Munich decided otherwise as they wished to extend the loan instead. Real Madrid remained determined another loan is out of the question, which resulted in Munich cutting ties with Rodriguez, meaning the Columbian winger was once again put on the market.
Failing to sell James Rodriguez to Bayern Munich, Real Madrid decided to begin talks with Napoli, who expressed their desire to bring the Columbian into their squad, however, just like it was the case with Bayern Munich, Real Madrid decided against a loan at Napoli, and instead insisted on a €68 million deal that would make James a permanent part of the Azzuri. The talks continued for a couple of weeks before Napoli decided to pull the plug on a deal as they deemed the price tag was too high and instead decided to look for reinforcements elsewhere.
As revealed earlier this week, Napoli did not need long to find a replacement, as they reportedly approached PSV Eindhoven hoping to land a deal for 24-year-old Mexican winger, Hirving Lozano. The young star is said to have release clause set at €42 million, which is significantly less compared to €68 million Real Madrid demanded James Rodriguez and something Napoli can afford.
While not among the most well-known players, Hirving Lozano has had a very promising and impressive career which earned him the status of a key player in each club he has been in.
Hirving Lozano started off his professional football career in 2014 when he got promoted from CF Pachuca U20 team to senior squad at the young age of 19, where he remained for three years. In 2015/16 season, barely one year after arriving at the club, Lozano helped his team win the title of Mexican champions, won Mexican Clausura champion title and CONCACAF Champions League title. His incredible performances made him one of the key players in the club where he combined a total of 140 appearances, during which he scored a total of 41 goals and added 28 assists.
His talents, however, did not stay unnoticed, as he received an offer from a respected Netherlands club PSV Eindhoven in the summer of 2017. With a huge opportunity to showcase his skills in Europe, Lozano did not hesitate to accept the offer and transferred to the Dutch team who spend merely €8 million for the talented winger. As a player who already achieved remarkable results in Mexico, Lozano proved his worth in the Netherlands as well by helping his team reach the title of Dutch champions in his debut season. In 2017/18 season alone Lozano contributed 17 goals and 11 assists all in only 29 appearances. He then managed to repeat that feat in 2018/19 season as well, by once again contributing 17 goals and 11 assists in 30 league appearances.
Proving year after year he can produce remarkable results, Lozano did not need long to be noticed by some of the biggest European clubs. Despite being approached by several suitors, it was Napoli who were the most convincing and are now as reports suggest closing in on a €42 million deal for the young talent, who they believe will be a perfect replacement for James Rodriguez. According to La Gazzetta Dello Sport, the Mexican winger already made an agreement with the team and will arrive in the Italian Peninsula later this week to finalize the deal, which will officially make him a part of Gli Azzurri.
While we wait for the official announcement, some details about the transfer were already revealed to the public. As reported Napoli will have to pay PSV Eindhoven €42 million, which will be the most expensive transfer in the club’s history. The transfer to Eindhoven also included a clause which will award his former club Pachuca with 20 per cent of the money the Dutch side will receive if they end up selling Hirving Lozano, meaning the Mexican club could receive up to €8 million.
