Napoli signed Benoit Badiashile on loan from Chelsea late in the summer transfer window. But so far, things haven’t gone to plan at all.
The Naples club agreed to insert an option to buy worth €27m in the loan agreement. This proved significant for the Blues, who had seen the Frenchman become a fringe player in the last two seasons or so.
Even when a deal was going through, there were doubts in Italy about whether it was a good move or not. Napoli needed a centre-back desperately but there were genuine concerns over the defender’s suitability and fitness.
Now, it appears as if those concerns were justified.
Player has failed so far
Today’s print edition of Corriere dello Sport takes note of the Chelsea loanee’s situation, as he has played just once in the campaign.
That appearance came against Inter Milan, as he featured for just ten minutes off the bench. During that period of the game, he didn’t impress. In fact, it allowed Inter to complete a sensational comeback after being 2-0 down.
This has led to Massimiliano Allegri having doubts about the centre-back already. He had hoped Badiashile would become a key player right away but that clearly hasn’t happened yet.
At the same time, the newspaper don’t rush into a hurried judgement. They believe Badiashile could yet turn things around and win over the Italian.
Player needs time
Badiashile hadn’t been a regular for Chelsea last season. This probably impacted his fitness and he might not be ready to play more often at Napoli. Allegri possibly knows that and doesn’t want to rush him into action, especially as Rafa Marin has done well.
The 25-year-old, in fact, would be a more natural fit. He is very similar to the injured Alessandro Buongiorno in terms of how he plays. Marin is more of a pure defender and the Frenchman offers more on the ball too.
So, there is no need for the player to panic and his time should come soon. However, as it stands, he faces being sent back to Chelsea with the option passed up on.
