When Scott McTominay scored both goals in Napoli’s 2-0 win over Torino on April 27, 2025, few could’ve predicted he’d become the most sought-after midfielder in Europe — let alone that his former club, Manchester United, would be watching from the sidelines as SSC Napoli demands an astronomical fee to let him go. Just 18 months after leaving Old Trafford for £25.7 million, McTominay has transformed from a midfield workhorse into Serie A’s most lethal attacking force, helping Napoli lift their first league title since 1990. Now, with his contract running until 2028 and his market value skyrocketing, Napoli isn’t just holding out — they’re playing hardball.
A Midfielder Reborn in Naples
It’s easy to forget McTominay spent most of his Manchester United career as a defensive anchor. But under Antonio Conte in Naples, something clicked. The Italian manager didn’t just reposition him — he unleashed him. Free to surge forward, track back, and barge into the box, McTominay became a hybrid of Roy Keane’s grit and Christian Eriksen’s vision. His first Serie A goal came in just 25 seconds against Como on October 4, 2024. By April 2025, he’d scored five goals in the month alone — a first for any Scottish player in the league — earning him Serie A Player of the Month. He finished the 2024-25 season with 12 or 13 goals (sources vary) and six assists, a stat line that earned him the Serie A MVP award and an 18th-place finish in the Ballon d’Or voting.Why Napoli Won’t Let Him Go — Even If He Wants To
The twist? McTominay reportedly wants back to England. The Scottish national team midfielder has been described as “red-hot” by The Peoples Person, and his performances for Scotland have only added to his appeal. Yet Napoli, flush with confidence after their title win, aren’t budging. Their leverage? A contract that doesn’t expire until 2028. Unlike most clubs in this situation, Napoli doesn’t need the money. They’ve got a player who’s central to their identity now — one who scored the opening goal in their title-clinching 2-0 win over Cagliari on May 23, 2025. That’s not just a goal. That’s legacy.And then there’s the financial calculus. Napoli spent £25.7 million on him in August 2024. If they sell now, even for £80 million, it’s a 211% profit. But if they wait? If he keeps scoring, if he leads them to Champions League glory? The fee could hit £120 million. Or more. Teamtalk, cited by The Peoples Person, confirms Napoli’s stance: they’ll only entertain offers that reflect his status as a global star, not a mid-table upgrade. No figure has been officially named — but “astronomical” is the word they keep using.
Who’s Interested? Everton, United, and Others
According to reports from November 20, 2025, Everton has made preliminary inquiries. They’re looking for a leader, someone to anchor their rebuild — and McTominay fits the profile. But Manchester United? They’re the most emotionally charged suitors. The club that developed him, the team he played over 250 games for, the one that sold him after a quiet season. Now, they’re watching as their former academy product becomes the best midfielder in Italy. And under the terms of the transfer, United get 10% of any future sale. That’s potentially £8 million to £12 million — a windfall that could fund a new striker or a youth academy upgrade. But will they pay £100 million for him? That’s the question no one’s answered yet.Other Premier League clubs are circling, too. Liverpool, desperate for midfield depth after the departures of Mac Allister and Szoboszlai, have been quietly monitoring. Arsenal? They’ve got the money, but not the urgency. Chelsea? Too many distractions. The market is wide open — but Napoli’s price tag is the wall.
What’s Next? The 2026 Window Will Decide
As of November 2025, McTominay has already scored four goals and added one assist in the 2025-26 season. He’s not slowing down. Napoli’s president, Aurelio De Laurentiis, has publicly stated they’re “building for the future, not selling for the present.” That’s code for: no deals this winter. The real test comes in the summer of 2026. If McTominay helps Napoli qualify for the Champions League knockout stages, his value could jump another 30%. If he wins the Ballon d’Or? Forget astronomical — we’re talking historic.For now, McTominay is caught between two worlds: the club that gave him his shot and the club that turned him into a legend. He’s not complaining. He’s scoring. He’s winning. And Napoli? They’re smiling.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why is SSC Napoli refusing to sell Scott McTominay despite his desire to return to the Premier League?
Napoli holds all the leverage: McTominay’s contract runs until 2028, and he’s been instrumental in their 2024-25 Serie A title win, earning MVP honors. With his market value soaring after 12+ goals last season and four more in 2025-26, selling now would mean leaving massive profit on the table. Napoli’s leadership has made it clear they’re building for European competition, not cashing in.
How much could Manchester United earn if McTominay is sold?
Manchester United secured a 10% sell-on clause in the 2024 transfer deal. If Napoli sells McTominay for £100 million, United would receive £10 million. If the fee hits £120 million — a realistic target if he performs in the Champions League — United could net £12 million. That’s more than they spent on several transfers in recent years.
What makes Scott McTominay so valuable in Serie A compared to his time at Manchester United?
At United, McTominay was a defensive midfielder with limited attacking freedom. Under Antonio Conte at Napoli, he was repositioned as a box-to-box attacker with license to surge forward. The tactical shift unlocked his goal-scoring instinct — he scored 13 goals in 2024-25, a number no United midfielder reached in over a decade. His physicality, timing, and set-piece threat now make him a unique hybrid in European football.
Has any Scottish player ever won Serie A MVP before?
No. Scott McTominay is the first Scottish player to win Serie A MVP. His five goals in April 2025, including a 25-second strike against Como, earned him the Player of the Month award — another first for a Scot in Italy. His Ballon d’Or finish at 18th place also marks the highest-ever ranking for a Scottish player in the modern era.
Could Everton realistically afford to sign McTominay?
Even if Everton were willing to pay Napoli’s asking price — likely over £90 million — their financial model makes it improbable. The club operates under strict EFL ownership rules and has been focused on sustainable spending. A move for McTominay would require massive external investment, which hasn’t materialized. While interest exists, a deal is considered unlikely without a major ownership change.
When is the next realistic window for McTominay to transfer?
The next realistic window is summer 2026. Napoli has no incentive to sell in January 2026, especially with McTominay performing at a high level and Champions League qualification still in play. By then, his form in European competition will dictate his price. If Napoli advance past the group stage, his value could exceed £120 million — making summer 2026 the true tipping point.