Napoli sign Manchester United midfielder Scott McTominay for fee of £25.7m

Napoli have completed the signing of Manchester United midfielder Scott McTominay for a fee of £25.7 million.

The 27-year-old Scotland international leaves United after spending his entire career at the club, having first joined their soccer school at the age of five.

Scott McTominay made his United debut in 2017 and has since made 255 appearances for the club under four permanent managers.

Last season, he scored 10 goals in 43 appearances but was expected to see his game time reduced with the imminent arrival of midfielder Manuel Ugarte from Paris Saint-Germain.

The deal is also advantageous for United, as McTominay’s departure, being a homegrown player, provides the club with increased flexibility under the Premier League’s Profit and Sustainability rules.

Manager Erik ten Hag expressed mixed feelings about the transfer, acknowledging both the loss and the opportunities it creates.

“I’m very happy for him,” said the Dutchman.

“It’s also [a good deal] for us, but it is mixed because I wouldn’t prefer to lose him because he’s Manchester United in everything.

“He was so important for our team, for Manchester United, but unfortunately it’s the rules.

“We have to discuss the rules, when you have to sell and obviously homegrown and academy players bring more value, that’s not the right thing to do.

“But I think for everyone, for all parts it’s a good deal.

“For Scott, he’s happy with it, for Napoli a very good player, but also for us.”

Napoli, now under the management of former Chelsea and Tottenham Hotspur boss Antonio Conte, signed striker Romelu Lukaku from Chelsea on Thursday.

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