Jorginho prefers Napoli return over Barcelona move

Karan Tejwani

• Updated: 1 Jan 2023 18:22 GMT
• 3 min read

Jorginho prefers a return to Napoli once his contract at Chelsea runs out at the end of the current season, denting Barcelona’s hopes.

The Italian midfielder joined Chelsea in 2019 but is out of contract at the end of the current campaign, with talks of a renewal progressing slowly.

There have been doubts over whether he actually wishes to stay at the club, but the Blues are reportedly keen to keep hold of him, despite interest from abroad.

READ: 'I love Chelsea!' - Jorginho wants new contract at Stamford Bridge

However, it’s now emerged that if Jorginho was to leave Chelsea, he would prefer a return to Napoli over offers from clubs like Barcelona and Newcastle.

Jorginho prefers Napoli over Barcelona

His agent has now come out and spoken in admiration of Napoli, but admits there hasn’t yet been any contact between the Serie A leaders and Jorginho.

“Jorginho’s contract is expiring on June 30, we have a renewal offer and we’ll give priority to Chelsea,” Joao Santos told TMW.

READ: Five expiring stars Barcelona want to sign in 2023

“Naples represented our home in Italy, [sporting director, Cristiano] Giuntoli really appreciates the player, for us it’s a special place.

“If there was a new interest we’d be happy, however, at the moment Napoli has not had any contact with us,” Santos concluded.

Jorginho has interest from Barcelona, who are keen to sign a successor for Sergio Busquets, who could well leave the club at the end of the campaign as well.

Considering he would be free to sign, Barcelona are interested in the deal given their financial situation and would be tempted to make an offer.

Newcastle, too, given their riches, are interested in a deal for Jorginho but a lot may hang on their European progress ahead of the next campaign.

Where Jorginho ends up remains to be seen but what’s clear is that there is plenty of interest in him and a desire from Chelsea to keep him at Stamford Bridge.