Simon Mignolet is set to be offered an escape route out of Anfield, with Napoli interested in a move for the Liverpool goalkeeper, according to Belgian outlet Het Nieuwsblad.
The newspaper reports that Carlo Ancelotti’s side are considering a loan move for the Belgium international, who has dropped to third choice on Merseyside behind new arrival Alisson and German Loris Karius.
However, the finances of the deal may prove to be a problem for the Serie A side. Liverpool want a loan fee for the player, on top of Napoli paying his wages.
Napoli’s summer goalkeeping signing Alex Meret has suffered an injury, leading former Chelsea boss Ancelotti to weigh up a move for Mignolet.
OPINION
This move would seem to make sense for all parties. Meret was a big signing for Napoli from Udinese this summer following Pepe Reina’s exit to Milan, and his injury is a big blow to Ancelotti. A loan deal for Mignolet, then, would make perfect sense for the Italians, as he’d serve as an experienced stopgap until the Italian returns from injury. Liverpool’s large financial demands may scupper the transfer, however, and that’s something they need to address. There’s no point in Liverpool continuing to pay the Belgian’s wages when it’s clear he has no future at the club. A loan move wouldn’t be ideal for them but it would be better than having him waste away at Melwood all year. They need to scrap this idea of a loan fee if they are to get a deal done. Surely Napoli would be willing to pay his wages for the season, that’s perfectly reasonable. If the Reds lower their demands just a little bit then everyone gets what they want.
