Budget Lockdown Halts Napoli’s Bid for Mainoo in January

Wage-cap breach blocks Napoli's bid for Kobbie Mainoo

An Italian report said Napoli faced a major setback that could derail any winter deal the club was pursuing.

Napoli had aimed to sign Kobbie Mainoo, Manchester United, in January.

According to Corriere dello Sport, after reviewing accounts with the federation, Napoli reportedly exceeded the wage cap.

Nevertheless, the paper says Napoli is planning a spend-free January.

Napoli is expected to rely on loans only, with signings tied to departures.

As a result, talks to sign Mainoo have been frozen, a key Conte demand.

Loan-only plan and Conte's demands

In short, Napoli’s winter plan looks lean, either by choice or constraint.

If Napoli can’t buy Mainoo, at least their budget is learning restraint.

Conte may need to coach the ledger to score—copy that, money talks softly.