Napoli warns Zeballos: deal only at right conditions, otherwise wait until January 2027
Quick summary
Napoli have issued a warning to Zeballos, indicating they will only proceed with a transfer under the right conditions, otherwise they are prepared to wait until the January 2027 transfer window.
Full article
Attributed to original sourceNapoli director Giovanni Manna warns Boca Juniors that they will only buy Exequiel Zeballos ‘for the right conditions,’ otherwise they ‘will wait’ for him to become a free agent in January 2027.
It is absolutely no secret that the attacking winger has already agreed personal terms with the Partenopei, which is also why he has refused all attempts from Boca Juniors to lock him down to a new contract.
His current deal expires on December 31, so they feel that the offer of just under €10m is perfectly realistic in the circumstances, whereas Boca want the full €14.5m release clause.
With no real progress, Manna sent out a warning in today’s press conference.
Manna sets scene for Zeballos BUENOS AIRES, ARGENTINA – MAY 19: Otavio of Cruzeiro blocks a shot from Exequiel Zeballos of Boca Juniors during a Copa CONMEBOL Libertadores 2026 group D match between Boca Juniors and Cruzeiro at Estadio Alberto J. Armando on May 19, 2026 in Buenos Aires, Argentina. (Photo by Marcelo Endelli/Getty Images) “We like Zeballos, his career was stalled by injuries, but we’ve had negotiations over the last six to eight months, that’s part of the game,” said the Napoli director of sport.
“The dynamics of the transfer market can change and affect things. He is of interest, and if there are the right conditions, then we’ll do a deal. Otherwise no, if he waits for us, then we’ll wait for him…
“We are interested in many players, he gets more attention because he’s at Boca Juniors and his contract is running down.”
There was also a response from Boca Juniors chief Juan Roman Riquelme over the last 24 hours.
“Zeballos has a contract with us until December. I don’t know if he’s going to Napoli. I am the President of Boca, I have nothing to do with Napoli.”
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What happened
Napoli have set out their position on a potential move for Zeballos, making clear they will pursue the deal only if conditions are favourable. The Serie A club has signalled it is not desperate to complete the transfer immediately and is willing to exercise patience, targeting a January 2027 window if terms cannot be met sooner. The stance suggests negotiations have hit a sticking point, likely related to financial demands or contractual terms from the player's current club or representatives.
Chance analysis
Napoli's public ultimatum is a negotiation tactic designed to pressure the selling party into accepting their terms. The willingness to delay until January 2027 indicates Napoli have alternative targets or believe market dynamics may shift in their favour later. From a squad-planning perspective, this means potential reinforcement at the position Zeballos plays is not imminent, which could affect tactical options in the short term.
Napoli's squad for the next transfer window is unlikely to include Zeballos, delaying potential reinforcement and preserving leverage in negotiations.
Treat Zeballos as unlikely to join Napoli before January 2027; Napoli's squad planning should assume non-arrival for the upcoming window.