# Napoli preseason, Vergara role & transfer plans

> Live situation record from CLSTR: https://clstr.news/situations/napoli-contract-negotiations-for-antonio-vergara
> Updated: 2026-08-06T22:01:23.000Z. Sources: 10. Developments: 2.

In early July 2026, Napoli delayed renewing Antonio Vergara’s contract, leaving his future uncertain. By early August, sporting director Giovanni Manna sought to offload players to free salary space, including evaluating a potential transfer for Arsenal's Gabriel Jesus, while also considering Polish prospect Marcel Regula. 

The preseason camp in Castel di Sangro, led by coach Massimiliano Allegri, has focused on tactical development. Antonio Vergara, now 22, is being trialled in a mezzala role, emphasizing technical precision and body posture. Similarly, Brazilian forward Giovane Santana do Nascimento is being tested in wide attacking roles within a trident formation. Meanwhile, young defender Luca Marianucci has secured his place in the squad for the 2026/27 season.

On the pitch, Napoli recently secured a 1-1 draw against Celta Vigo, with captain Giovanni Di Lorenzo scoring the opening goal. Regarding transfers, Ajax has expressed interest in winger Noa Lang, with Napoli seeking a fee between €25 million and €30 million. 

Infrastructure developments continue with the €250 million redesign of the Stadio Maradona, which will feature the total removal of the athletics track. The club has also rescheduled its public squad presentation to August 10 at 20:30 in Piazza Plebiscito.

## Claims

- Allegri is testing Giovane Santana do Nascimento in an external role during training and friendlies. (single source)
- The Napoli team presentation in Castel di Sangro has been rescheduled to Monday, August 10 at 20:30. (single source)
- Napoli defender Luca Marianucci has been retained for the 2026/27 season following strong training performances. (single source)
- Ajax has expressed interest in Napoli's Noa Lang, with a reported valuation of 25 to 30 million euros. (single source)
- Napoli plans to remove the athletics track from the Maradona Stadium as part of a redesign project. (single source)
- Napoli midfielder Antonio Vergara is working on improving his technical cleanliness and body posture under Allegri's tut (single source)

## Timeline

### 2026-08-06: SSC Napoli continues summer training and preseason preparations

SSC Napoli continues its summer training in Castel di Sangro under Massimiliano Allegri, featuring a 1-1 draw against Celta Vigo and tactical shifts for players like Antonio Vergara and Giovane.

10 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/napoli-struggles-to-offload-players-as-midfielder-antonio-vergara-eyes-italy-callup

### 2026-07-09: Napoli stalls Antonio Vergara contract renewal

Napoli has halted talks on extending Antonio Vergara’s contract, rejecting €25 million offers and leaving negotiations open.

3 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/napoli-stalls-antonio-vergara-contract-renewal

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Cite as: Napoli preseason, Vergara role & transfer plans. CLSTR, https://clstr.news/situations/napoli-contract-negotiations-for-antonio-vergara