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Lang reveals Conte behind Napoli exit: ‘I didn’t get along with him’

Noa Lang has admitted that his difficult relationship with Antonio Conte played a major role in his early departure from Napoli.

The Dutch winger, who has just joined Galatasaray, reflected on his six-month spell in Serie A during an appearance on ESPN Netherlands’ Transfer Deadline Show.

Lang struggled for regular playing time after arriving from PSV and completed a January move away from the Stadio Maradona.

While he showed brief signs of continuity between November and December, Lang described his overall experience in Naples as disappointing and pointed to a lack of understanding with his coach.

“How can I explain it simply? I didn’t get along with the coach,” Lang said, with quotes via Goal.

“Let’s leave it at that. I know that in the Netherlands people often think it’s my fault, but one day everything will be clear. For now, I have a lot of respect for the club I’m under contract with. I have a good relationship with almost everyone at the club.”

NAPLES, ITALY - JANUARY 31: Antonio Conte SSC Napoli head coach during the Serie A match between SSC Napoli and ACF Fiorentina at Stadio Diego Armando Maradona on January 31, 2026 in Naples, Italy. (Photo by Francesco Pecoraro/Getty Images)
NAPLES, ITALY – JANUARY 31: Antonio Conte SSC Napoli head coach during the Serie A match between SSC Napoli and ACF Fiorentina at Stadio Diego Armando Maradona on January 31, 2026 in Naples, Italy. (Photo by Francesco Pecoraro/Getty Images)

Lang: ‘World Cup’ made decision to leave Napoli easy

Lang also admitted he was initially reluctant to leave Napoli so soon after joining.

He had only completed a move from PSV in the summer but struggled to make an impact on the Napoli team.

“Honestly, it took me some time. The size of the club speaks for itself, but I’m not someone who wants to leave after just six months.”

NAPLES, ITALY - DECEMBER 07: Noa Lang of SSC Napoli reacts during the Serie A match between SSC Napoli and Juventus FC at Stadio Diego Armando Maradona on December 07, 2025 in Naples, Italy. (Photo by Francesco Pecoraro/Getty Images)
NAPLES, ITALY – DECEMBER 07: Noa Lang of SSC Napoli reacts during the Serie A match between SSC Napoli and Juventus FC at Stadio Diego Armando Maradona on December 07, 2025 in Naples, Italy. (Photo by Francesco Pecoraro/Getty Images)

The Dutchman claimed many of his teammates did not want him to go but he felt that it was the right decision for ihm.

“Nine out of ten people didn’t want me to leave. I was well integrated into the group and trained well every day, but when I did get to play, people spoke badly about me. I didn’t agree at all. In terms of playing style, I did well. At least, I think so.”

Lang ended with a pointed remark about how he felt he had been treated.

“You have to be treated fairly, and I didn’t feel that at all. At first I wanted to fight and thought I would stay. But there’s a World Cup coming this summer, so that decision was mainly based on that.”

Juventus still dreaming of Osimhen as Kolo Muani pursuit continues

Juventus are already planning a renewed push for Randal Kolo Muani after failing to secure the French forward during the January transfer window.

The Bianconeri made a late attempt to bring in the French striker, who was identified, including by coach Luciano Spalletti, as an ideal reinforcement in attack. However, the financial resources available in the winter market made a deal impossible.

There is some encouragement for Juve, though. Their recent approach helped rebuild relations with PSG, who were even open to a loan with an option to buy, as per IlBianconero.

The main obstacle came from Tottenham, but the Premier League club will no longer have a say over the player’s future from June, when Kolo Muani is due to return to Paris.

LONDON, ENGLAND - SEPTEMBER 16: Randal Kolo Muani of Tottenham Hotspur during the UEFA Champions League 2025/26 League Phase MD1 match between Tottenham Hotspur and Villarreal CF at Tottenham Hotspur Stadium on September 16, 2025 in London, England. (Photo by Justin Setterfield/Getty Images)
LONDON, ENGLAND – SEPTEMBER 16: Randal Kolo Muani of Tottenham Hotspur during the UEFA Champions League 2025/26 League Phase MD1 match between Tottenham Hotspur and Villarreal CF at Tottenham Hotspur Stadium on September 16, 2025 in London, England. (Photo by Justin Setterfield/Getty Images)

Juventus ready to return for Kolo-Muani

According to Tuttosport, Juventus will now have time to plan a third attempt for the Frenchman who would reportedly have been keen to move to Turin even this winter.

Jean-Philippe Mateta remains an alternative option. The striker recently saw a proposed switch to Milan collapse and is now considering knee surgery for a long-standing issue that dates back to 2019.

Then there is the dream scenario: Victor Osimhen. Juventus will soon face the former Napoli striker in a Champions League double-header against Galatasaray, where he currently earns around €16m net per season.

Any future move would require a major financial sacrifice from Osimhen.

ISTANBUL, TURKEY - SEPTEMBER 14: Victor Osimhen of Galatasaray looks on during the Turkish Super League match between Galatasaray and Rizespor at Rams Park Stadium on September 14, 2024 in Istanbul, Turkey. (Photo by Ahmad Mora/Getty Images)
ISTANBUL, TURKEY – SEPTEMBER 14: Victor Osimhen of Galatasaray looks on during the Turkish Super League match between Galatasaray and Rizespor at Rams Park Stadium on September 14, 2024 in Istanbul, Turkey. (Photo by Ahmad Mora/Getty Images)

Juventus are unlikely to offer wages higher than €6m per year, the level now reserved for their top earners such as Jonathan David and Kenan Yildiz, who is close to a renewal.

While these discussions are still at an early stage, they are part of the club’s long-term planning, a future in which Dusan Vlahovic is increasingly expected not to feature.

Napoli prepare new contract for McTominay: the situation

Napoli are preparing to open talks with Scott McTominay over a new long-term contract after the midfielder established himself as a key figure in their recent success.

The Scotland international has become one of the leaders of Antonio Conte’s side and played a central role in their Scudetto-winning campaign.

He continues to deliver in big moments and has already scored nine goals this season, five in Serie A and four in the Champions League.

MILAN, ITALY - JANUARY 11: Scott McTominay of SSC Napoli celebrates scoring his team's second goal with teammate Amir Rrahmani during the Serie A match between FC Internazionale and SSC Napoli at Giuseppe Meazza Stadium on January 11, 2026 in Milan, Italy. (Photo by Marco Luzzani/Getty Images)
MILAN, ITALY – JANUARY 11: Scott McTominay of SSC Napoli celebrates scoring his team’s second goal with teammate Amir Rrahmani during the Serie A match between FC Internazionale and SSC Napoli at Giuseppe Meazza Stadium on January 11, 2026 in Milan, Italy. (Photo by Marco Luzzani/Getty Images)

According to reports in La Gazzetta dello Sport, via IlNapolista, Napoli and McTominay are ready to sit down and begin laying the groundwork for a renewal.

Napoli want to keep a hold of McTominay

His current deal runs until June 2028, but the Partenopei are keen to secure his future sooner rather than later.

McTominay’s performances over the last year and a half have drawn interest from several top European clubs, and the upcoming World Cup could further increase his profile.

Napoli therefore want to move quickly, with the aim of extending his contract until 2030.

ROME, ITALY - FEBRUARY 02: Scott McTominay of Napoli is challenged by Manu Kone of AS Roma during the Serie A match between AS Roma and Napoli at Stadio Olimpico on February 02, 2025 in Rome, Italy. (Photo by Paolo Bruno/Getty Images)
ROME, ITALY – FEBRUARY 02: Scott McTominay of Napoli is challenged by Manu Kone of AS Roma during the Serie A match between AS Roma and Napoli at Stadio Olimpico on February 02, 2025 in Rome, Italy. (Photo by Paolo Bruno/Getty Images)

The midfielder currently earns €3m net per season plus bonuses, but that figure is expected to rise significantly in line with his growing importance to the team.

After reaching an agreement with Amir Rrahmani, still to be made official, Napoli have now made McTominay’s renewal their priority. His representatives are expected in Naples next month to advance negotiations over a deal that both the club and supporters are eager to see completed.

Yildiz renewal imminent at Juventus: the numbers & the details

Juventus are on the verge of tying down Kenan Yildiz to a new long-term contract, with the Turkish star set to become the cornerstone of the club’s present and future.

With the January transfer window now closed, the Bianconeri are ready to complete what many fans see as their most important move of the season: the renewal of arguably their best player.

Talks have advanced significantly in recent days, with only the final details left to be resolved before the agreement is sealed, as per the Corriere dello Sport.

SASSUOLO, ITALY - JANUARY 06: Kenan Yildiz of Juventus celebrates his team's first goal, an own goal scored by Tarik Muharemovic of US Sassuolo Calcio during the Serie A match between US Sassuolo Calcio and Juventus FC at Mapei Stadium Citta del Tricolore on January 06, 2026 in Sassuolo, Italy. (Photo by Alessandro Sabattini/Getty Images)
SASSUOLO, ITALY – JANUARY 06: Kenan Yildiz of Juventus celebrates his team’s first goal, an own goal scored by Tarik Muharemovic of US Sassuolo Calcio during the Serie A match between US Sassuolo Calcio and Juventus FC at Mapei Stadium Citta del Tricolore on January 06, 2026 in Sassuolo, Italy. (Photo by Alessandro Sabattini/Getty Images)

Yildiz signs with Juventus until 2031: the details

Yildiz is expected to sign a new deal running until June 2031, extending his current contract by a further two years.

The Turkish forward will also receive a major salary increase in line with his new status within the squad.

His wages are set to rise to €6m net per season, which would make him Juventus’ second-joint highest earner, alongside Jonathan David, behind Dusan Vlahovic.

Securing Yildiz’s future was one of the club’s top priorities at the start of 2026.

Juventus ownership have given clear instructions to build around the young forward, who has already attracted interest from several European giants, including Arsenal, Chelsea, Bayern Munich and Real Madrid.

Barring any last-minute complications, Juventus are now closing in on the finish line.

Today’s Papers – Milan impress in Bologna, Yildiz extends with Juventus

La Gazzetta dello Sport

“What the Devil!”

Milan overwhelm Bologna (3-0) and remain five points behind Inter.

The Rossoneri win and put on a show.
Goals from Loftus-Cheek, Nkunku and Rabiot.
Allegri: “Now Roma at home.”

Chivu chooses a brand new Inter
Torino go all-in and look for an upset.

Spalletti changes Juve
Now they move at Champions League pace.

Serie A is red
Losses of €360 million.

Tuttosport


Milan, Scudetto show

Proof of strength without Leao, Pulisic and Saelemaekers.

Thanks, Allegri.

Agreement reached, announcement imminent

Yildiz 2030 – Juve, it’s time!

A top player already.

Written in black and white until 2030.

Now to sort out Vlahovic’s future: a leap forward next season is possible.

Koopmeiners still out.

Corriere dello Sport

Milan enjoy themselves

Allegri wins 3-0 away: message for Inter.

They beat Bologna: Max now five behind Chivu.

Fast start
Second straight win
Loftus-Cheek opens
Nkunku scores again (5th goal)
Rabiot completes the party

Juve, blitz for Senesi

The centre-back, set to leave Bournemouth, is the priority target.
The Argentine is free on June 30: Comolli first in line.

Done deals: Every official transfer in Serie A on January 31

Serie A clubs were busy today as they race to wrap up deals before the transfer window closes on Monday.

Youssef Maleh joined Cremonese on loan from Lecce, Genoa activated their option to sign Leo Ostigard on a permanent deal and Cyril Ngonge and Luca Marianucci left Napoli on loan moves.

Which transfers were announced in Serie A on January 31, 2026?

Football Italia takes a look at every confirmed transfer involving clubs from Italy’s top flight today.

Ostigard joined Genoa on a permanent basis for just €5 million, after impressing on loan so far this season. Ngonge joined Espanyol on loan for €2 million, whilst M’Bala Nzola joins Sassuolo on loan from Fiorentina.

BOLOGNA, ITALY - OCTOBER 29: Cyril Ngonge of Torino FC during the Serie A match between Bologna FC 1909 and Torino FC at Renato Dall'Ara Stadium on October 29, 2025 in Bologna, Italy. (Photo by Alessandro Sabattini/Getty Images)
BOLOGNA, ITALY – OCTOBER 29: Cyril Ngonge of Torino FC during the Serie A match between Bologna FC 1909 and Torino FC at Renato Dall’Ara Stadium on October 29, 2025 in Bologna, Italy. (Photo by Alessandro Sabattini/Getty Images)

Lecce saw two players leave today, with Frenchman Balthazar Pierret returning to his home country with Red Star FC in Ligue 2, and Maleh joining fellow Serie A side Cremonese on loan until the end of the season.

All Serie A transfers confirmed on January 31, 2026

Balthazar Pierret – Lecce to Red Star FC (Undsc.)

Sandro Kulenovic – Dinamo Zagreb to Torino (Loan €500,000)

M’Bala Nzola – Fiorentina to Sassuolo (Loan)

Leo Ostigard – Stade Rennes to Genoa (€5 million)

Luca Marianucci – Napoli to Torino (Loan)

Youssef Maleh – Lecce to Cremonese (Loan)

Stefan Mitrovic – Verona to Asteras Aktor (Loan)

Cyril Ngonge – Napoli to Espanyol (Loan €2 million)

Albert Gronbæk – Genoa to Rennes (End of Loan)

You can follow all the latest transfer news, as it happened, on our Live Blog.

Official: Romagnoli stays at Lazio after Al-Sadd run out of time

Alessio Romagnoli is set to stay at Lazio after a chaotic final day of the Qatari transfer window saw the deal go from off, to on, to off again, in the space of a few hours.

Al-Sadd, where Italian Roberto Mancini now coaches, were close to completing the deal.

Reports from Manuel Baiocchini, and later confirmed by Gianluca Di Marzio, claim that the agreement between the two clubs had been reached, contracts had been signed but that there was not enough time for the Qatari side to file the transfer before the window slammed shut.

Therefore, Romagnoli will now likely return to Lazio, in strange circumstances.

LECCE, ITALY – JANUARY 24: Alessio Romagnoli of SS Lazio after the Serie A match between US Lecce and SS Lazio at Stadio Via del Mare on January 24, 2026 in Lecce, Italy. (Photo by Marco Rosi – SS Lazio/Getty Images)

Romagnoli saga drags on, Al-Sadd pay the price

The sage was a complicated and drawn out one.

Originally, Al-Sadd were reported to be interested and Romagnoli interested in joining up with Mancini in Qatar.

Then, Lazio posted a sensational statement on their official channels to claim that no such transfer would be happening and that Romagnoli would stay at the club, where he is contracted.

Romagnoli said goodbye to fans at the end of Lazio’s draw with Lecce and was left out of the squad that faced Genoa on Friday – although he did watch on from the stands.

LECCE, ITALY - JANUARY 24: Alessio Romagnoli of SS Lazio after the Serie A match between US Lecce and SS Lazio at Stadio Via del Mare on January 24, 2026 in Lecce, Italy. (Photo by Marco Rosi - SS Lazio/Getty Images)
LECCE, ITALY – JANUARY 24: After the Serie A match between US Lecce and SS Lazio at Stadio Via del Mare on January 24, 2026 in Lecce, Italy. (Photo by Marco Rosi – SS Lazio/Getty Images)

Earlier today, it was reported that Lazio had finally accepted an offer from Al-Sadd for the centre-back and that the green light had been given, yet it was clear the Qatari side had to act quickly.

The Qatari window shut this evening, earlier than in other countries, and Al-Sadd and Romagnoli lost out because there was not enough time to get the deal done.

It now leaves a rather awkward situation where Romagnoli must return to the club he had said his goodbyes to, despite everything being in place for him to leave.

Vergara shines as diamond in the rough for infirm Napoli

Antonio Vergara is the man of the moment at the minute in Naples.

Napoli are currently going through the motions as the Scudetto holders face a growing injury list, an awkward early exit from the UEFA Champions League and a real fight on their hands to retain the Serie A trophy.

However, if there was one silver lining amongst all these dark clouds it would be the impressive performances of Vergara.

The 23-year-old had not played a senior minute for the Partenopei before this season, and spent the last two seasons on loan with Reggiana in Serie B.

Despite this, it is Vergara who has won the heart of Naples in the last couple of weeks.

Vergara thrust into the limelight for Napoli but thrives

On Wednesday, he scored a spectacular goal after a slick solo run in the Champions League against Chelsea. It was his first goal for his boyhood club and he scored it in style.

On Saturday, Vergara scored again, this time in Napoli’s 2-1 win against Fiorentina, that helped ease the pressure on the side after the disappointing Champions League exit. The Italian also assisted the other goal on the night, as he continues to impress.

NAPLES, ITALY - JANUARY 31: Antonio Vergara of SSC Napoli celebrates after scoring his sides first goal during the Serie A match between SSC Napoli and ACF Fiorentina at Stadio Diego Armando Maradona on January 31, 2026 in Naples, Italy. (Photo by Francesco Pecoraro/Getty Images)
NAPLES, ITALY – JANUARY 31: Antonio Vergara of SSC Napoli celebrates after scoring his sides first goal during the Serie A match between SSC Napoli and ACF Fiorentina at Stadio Diego Armando Maradona on January 31, 2026 in Naples, Italy. (Photo by Francesco Pecoraro/Getty Images)

It is strange, though, that his opportunity was only really born out of the ongoing injury crisis in Naples.

Without the circumstances, it was unlikely Vergara was going to see much first team football this season and, at 23-years-old, he is moving past the point of being sent out on loan again and again but Napoli.

When Napoli have a full roster again, it will be interesting to see whether Conte rewards Vergara’s impressive run of form with more minutes, or if he falls back down the pecking order completely.

What does the future hold for Vergara?

Regardless of that, Vergara can only gain from his continued performances – in the sense that he may be able to convince another Serie A side to take a gamble on him – and Napoli may choose to cash in if he’s not deemed of the right level for the first team.

A move to a club like Genoa or Sassuolo could suit the Italian, where he would be able to get more game time than at Napoli and I would not be surprised if this was the case.

NAPLES, ITALY - JANUARY 31: Antonio Vergara of SSC Napoli celebrates after scoring his sides first goal during the Serie A match between SSC Napoli and ACF Fiorentina at Stadio Diego Armando Maradona on January 31, 2026 in Naples, Italy. (Photo by Francesco Pecoraro/Getty Images)
NAPLES, ITALY – JANUARY 31: Antonio Vergara of SSC Napoli celebrates after scoring his sides first goal during the Serie A match between SSC Napoli and ACF Fiorentina at Stadio Diego Armando Maradona on January 31, 2026 in Naples, Italy. (Photo by Francesco Pecoraro/Getty Images)

We shall see what happens – and obviously it feels exceedingly premature to be having these sorts of hypothetical conversations about a player with just 12 appearances to his name for Napoli.

However, Vergara is winning the hearts of Napoli fans and impressing pundits, and right now he is a much needed breath of fresh air in Naples.

Serie A | Napoli 2-1 Fiorentina | Player Ratings – Vergara thriving for injury-stricken Partenopei

Napoli bounced back from their midweek Champions League exit to pick up an important three points in Serie A with a 2-1 win against Fiorentina.

Young forward Antonio Vergara, only really in the squad because of the extensive injuries to Antonio Conte’s squad, impressed once again and was Football Italia’s Player of the Match with a goal and an assist.

NAPLES, ITALY - JANUARY 31: Miguel Gutierrez of SSC Napoli celebrates with his head coach Antonio Conte and Juan Jesus after scoring his side second goal during the Serie A match between SSC Napoli and ACF Fiorentina at Stadio Diego Armando Maradona on January 31, 2026 in Naples, Italy. (Photo by Francesco Pecoraro/Getty Images)
NAPLES, ITALY – JANUARY 31: Miguel Gutierrez of SSC Napoli celebrates with his head coach Antonio Conte and Juan Jesus after scoring his side second goal during the Serie A match between SSC Napoli and ACF Fiorentina at Stadio Diego Armando Maradona on January 31, 2026 in Naples, Italy. (Photo by Francesco Pecoraro/Getty Images)

Napoli 2-1 Fiorentina – Player Ratings

NapoliMeret 7; Di Lorenzo 6 (Olivera 5.5), Juan Jesus 6, Buongiorno 6; Gutierrez 7, Lobotka 6, McTominay 6.5, Spinazzola 6; Vergara 8 (Giovane N/A), Elmas 6.5; Hojlund 6

Best Napoli player: Antonio Vergara – The youngster once again shines after his impressive solo goal against Chelsea during the week. Tonight he scored a goal and assisted the other, effectively winning his side the three points.

Lowest Napoli rating: Mathias Olivera – Came on for the injured Di Lorenzo in the first half but struggled a little. Was not bad but struggled to get the better of his marker.

Coach: Antonio Conte 6.5 – Still working with a very limited squad, and off the back of an exhausting 90 minutes against Napoli during the week, the coach did well to secure the three points.

Fiorentina: De Gea 6; Dodo 6.5, Comuzzo 5.5, Pongracic 5.5, Gosens 5.5 (Ranieri 6); Fagiolo 6; Solomon 6.5 (Kean 6), Fabbian 5.5 (Mandragora 6), Brescianini 5.5 (Parisi 6), Gudmundsson 6 (Fazzini N/A); Piccoli 6.5

NAPLES, ITALY - JANUARY 31: Manor Solomon of ACF Fiorentina celebrates after scoring his side first goal during the Serie A match between SSC Napoli and ACF Fiorentina at Stadio Diego Armando Maradona on January 31, 2026 in Naples, Italy. (Photo by Francesco Pecoraro/Getty Images)
NAPLES, ITALY – JANUARY 31: Manor Solomon of ACF Fiorentina celebrates after scoring his side first goal during the Serie A match between SSC Napoli and ACF Fiorentina at Stadio Diego Armando Maradona on January 31, 2026 in Naples, Italy. (Photo by Francesco Pecoraro/Getty Images)

Best Fiorentina player: Manor Solomon – Scored Fiorentina’s goal and looked more dangerous than the rest of Fiorentina’s offensive players. Was not overly involved put did not put a foot wrong when he did have possession.

Lowest Fiorentina rating: Pietro Comuzzo – The young defender was disappointing this evening, in keeping with recent form. He struggled in his duels, both on the ground and in the air, and was beaten far too easily on more than one occasion.

Coach: Paolo Vanoli 6 – Set up his team well against the Champions but was unable to come away with anything to show for it. A decent display from the Viola coach, all things considered.

Milan move for unhappy Mateta under threat as Crystal Palace struggle to find replacement

Milan’s pursuit of Jean-Philippe Mateta has hit a fresh obstacle as Crystal Palace struggle to line up a replacement for the French striker.

Talks between the two clubs had been progressing, with Milan identifying Mateta as a profile capable of adding physicality and depth to their attacking department.

However, Palace are now reluctant to give the green light to any departure until they secure a suitable alternative up front, as per Sky Sport Italia.

The Premier League side are wary of weakening their squad mid-season, especially with limited time left in the window and a thin market for proven centre-forwards.

LONDON, ENGLAND - DECEMBER 18: Jean-Philippe Mateta of Crystal Palace during the UEFA Conference League 2025/26 League Phase MD6 match between Crystal Palace FC and KuPS Kuopio at Selhurst Park on December 18, 2025 in London, England. (Photo by Alex Pantling/Getty Images)
LONDON, ENGLAND – DECEMBER 18: Jean-Philippe Mateta of Crystal Palace during the UEFA Conference League 2025/26 League Phase MD6 match between Crystal Palace FC and KuPS Kuopio at Selhurst Park on December 18, 2025 in London, England. (Photo by Alex Pantling/Getty Images)

Mateta unhappy as Crystal Palace block Milan move

The Eagles completed a loan move For Aston Villa forward Evann Guessand on Friday but the London club likely want a more substantial replacement before letting their star forward leave.

As a result, negotiations have slowed, leaving Milan waiting to see whether conditions can change in the coming days.

For the Rossoneri, Mateta remains a concrete target, but the deal now depends less on financial terms and more on Palace’s ability to solve their own attacking needs first.

NEWCASTLE UPON TYNE, ENGLAND - JANUARY 04: Jean-Philippe Mateta of Crystal Palace looks on prior to the Premier League match between Newcastle United and Crystal Palace at St James' Park on January 04, 2026 in Newcastle upon Tyne, England. (Photo by George Wood/Getty Images)
NEWCASTLE UPON TYNE, ENGLAND – JANUARY 04: Jean-Philippe Mateta of Crystal Palace looks on prior to the Premier League match between Newcastle United and Crystal Palace at St James’ Park on January 04, 2026 in Newcastle upon Tyne, England. (Photo by George Wood/Getty Images)

A breakthrough is still possible, though the situation has become significantly more complicated.

Mateta, meanwhile, is unhappy with the situation. Taking to Instagram to vent his frustration with a story featuring a very stroppy emoji.

Official: Maignan signs new deal with Milan until 2031

AC Milan have secured the long-term future of captain Mike Maignan, with the goalkeeper putting pen to paper on a new contract that runs until June 2031.

In an official statement, the club confirmed they were “delighted to announce the renewal of Mike Maignan’s contract until 30 June 2031,” highlighting his leadership, reliability and importance both on and off the pitch.

COMO, ITALY - JANUARY 15: Mike Maignan of AC Milan celebrates his team-mates goal during the Serie A match between Como 1907 and AC Milan at Giuseppe Sinigaglia Stadium on January 15, 2026 in Como, Italy. (Photo by Marco Luzzani/Getty Images)
COMO, ITALY – JANUARY 15: Mike Maignan of AC Milan celebrates his team-mates goal during the Serie A match between Como 1907 and AC Milan at Giuseppe Sinigaglia Stadium on January 15, 2026 in Como, Italy. (Photo by Marco Luzzani/Getty Images)

Maignan signs new Milan deal

Since arriving in 2021, Maignan has grown into a cornerstone of the Rossoneri project, becoming captain and one of the most influential figures in the dressing room.

The France international has made 188 appearances for Milan so far and played a decisive role in the 2021-22 Scudetto triumph, later adding a Supercoppa Italiana to his honours.

Individually, he was also named Serie A’s best goalkeeper in his debut season in Italy, underlining the impact he made immediately after replacing Gianluigi Donnarumma.

COMO, ITALY - JANUARY 15: Mike Maignan of AC Milan looks on during the Serie A match between Como 1907 and AC Milan at Giuseppe Sinigaglia Stadium on January 15, 2026 in Como, Italy. (Photo by Marco Luzzani/Getty Images)
COMO, ITALY – JANUARY 15: Mike Maignan of AC Milan looks on during the Serie A match between Como 1907 and AC Milan at Giuseppe Sinigaglia Stadium on January 15, 2026 in Como, Italy. (Photo by Marco Luzzani/Getty Images)

The renewal puts an end to speculation over his future, with several European heavyweights, such as Chelsea, previously linked with a move.

Instead, Maignan has chosen continuity, committing himself to the club’s long-term ambitions as Milan look to build around a core of experienced leaders and emerging talent.

Follow the latest transfer news, as it happens, on our Live Blog.

Lookman out of Atalanta squad as Fenerbahce & Atletico transfer battle erupts

Ademola Lookman’s future at Atalanta has suddenly become one of the hottest transfer sagas of the window, with both Fenerbahce and Atletico Madrid pushing to sign the Nigerian forward.

Reports from Turkey claim Fenerbahce had already reached a broad agreement with Atalanta on a deal worth €35m plus €5m in bonuses.

However, the negotiations have reportedly stalled over payment terms. Atalanta are said to want a larger portion of the fee paid upfront, while the Turkish side prefer a more staggered structure.

BERGAMO, ITALY - DECEMBER 13: Ademola Lookman of Atalanta runs with the ball away from Elia Caprile of Cagliari during the Serie A match between Atalanta BC and Cagliari Calcio at Gewiss Stadium on December 13, 2025 in Bergamo, Italy. (Photo by Marco Luzzani/Getty Images)
BERGAMO, ITALY – DECEMBER 13: Ademola Lookman of Atalanta runs with the ball away from Elia Caprile of Cagliari during the Serie A match between Atalanta BC and Cagliari Calcio at Gewiss Stadium on December 13, 2025 in Bergamo, Italy. (Photo by Marco Luzzani/Getty Images)

Transfer battle erupts for Lookman as Atletico & Fenerbahce tussle

According to those same sources, via Sport Mediaset, Fenerbahce are reluctant to alter their proposed schedule and are now waiting on Atalanta’s final stance.

At the same time, Atletico Madrid have also struck an agreement in principle with the Bergamo club on a similar overall package.

The key difference appears to be the financial structure, with the Spanish side not facing the same demands regarding advance payments.

Despite that, the move is far from done, as the player himself has not yet fully opened the door to joining the Colchoneros.

BERGAMO, ITALY - NOVEMBER 30: Ademola Lookman of Atalanta BC controls the ball whilst under pressure from Niccolo Fortini of Fiorentina during the Serie A match between Atalanta BC and ACF Fiorentina at Gewiss Stadium on November 30, 2025 in Bergamo, Italy. (Photo by Marco Luzzani/Getty Images)
BERGAMO, ITALY – NOVEMBER 30: Ademola Lookman of Atalanta BC controls the ball whilst under pressure from Niccolo Fortini of Fiorentina during the Serie A match between Atalanta BC and ACF Fiorentina at Gewiss Stadium on November 30, 2025 in Bergamo, Italy. (Photo by Marco Luzzani/Getty Images)

The reports claim that Atletico’s proposed salary is nowhere near that of the Turkish Super Lig side, giving Lookman further food for thought.

With two clubs circling and negotiations running on parallel tracks, Lookman’s omission from the Atalanta squad has only fuelled speculation that an exit could be imminent. The coming days are likely to be decisive as all parties try to find a formula that works.

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