Here at Sport Witness, we love an unrealistic transfer story as much as the next person, and Lorenzo Insigne to Everton is right up there with the most unlikely.
The 30-year-old is out of contract at Napoli next season, and, so far at least, he has not agreed on a new deal at the club.
That’s naturally led to a host of rumours about a potential exit this summer, with Napoli naturally keen to avoid losing him on a free transfer if he isn’t going to sign a new deal.
The rumours have only picked up pace since Romelu Lukaku returning to Chelsea became a serious thing, with rumours in Italy suggesting that Inter could turn to the Italian as a low-cost replacement.
According to Italian journalist Ciro Venerato, though, they are not the only ones showing an interest as Everton have suddenly appeared on the scene.
“I’ll give you some news that arrived just a few minutes ago,” he told Radio Kiss, relayed by Il Napoli Online.
“There is another team that has swooped down on Lorenzo Insigne besides Inter: we are talking about Rafa Benitez’s Everton.
“The English club is interested in the player, but I don’t think the player can land at Everton. If Lorenzo Insigne were to leave, Napoli would not buy a replacement. “
It’s a pretty bold claim from Venerato, and it would be an even bolder move from Everton as well, which is why we simply can’t see it being a thing.
Aside from the fact Insigne would command better options than the Toffees if he was leaving Napoli, there’s also the financial aspect.
It’s been made clear Everton don’t have the funds this summer, and there’s little chance they’d be able to find Insigne and his wages into a structure which is already at the limit.
The only tangible link is that Insigne worked under Rafa Benitez at Napoli, but even then, he only managed 11 goals and 17 assists in 79 games, so it was hardly a very fruitful relationship.
Logically, this move doesn’t make any sense, and we’re more inclined to put this in the Venerato being ludicrous folder at this point.
