How to Keep a Runaway Matador? (With a Poll!)

By: Julian | March 22nd, 2011

Edinson Cavani is following up his standout season with Palermo and fantastic World Cup with an even better year at Napoli. The only question is, can the club keep him past this summer?

The two thousand pound gorilla at the Stadio San Paolo is surely the Cavani question, and it’s not difficult to see why. Napoli lie third in the table, in the final automatic qualifying position for the Champions’ League, and a mere three points off the summit. Their run-in is rather difficult, as they must face Lazio, Udinese, Genoa and Inter at home, whilst traveling away to Bologna, Palermo, Lecce, and Juventus. Anything other than a Champions’ League place would be incredibly disappointing for the side, who are within an arm’s reach of first place. The reality is, however, that the final 8 games of Serie A could make or break i Partenopei’s season.

And without the Champions’ League, it’s tough to see Cavani staying. He’s been simply breathtaking for this Napoli side, and has been deservedly recognized as not only one of the transfers of the season, but surely one of the players of the season. 22 goals in 30 games puts him at second in the capocannoniere race, and only Bologna’s Marco Di Viao has scored more first goals in a game than El Matador. Walter Mazzarri’s side need Cavani to reach the Champions’ League, and they will most definitely need him to repeat this form should they be in it next season.

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The question is, of course, can they keep him? Cavani is being linked with many clubs, from the larger clubs in Serie A to Arsenal and Newcastle in the Premiere League. If a big-money offer comes into the side, it’s difficult to predict whether or not Napoli will hold onto their star player. The club and the player are shining together, but which one needs the other more?

What’s clear is that Edinson Cavani has illustrated that he merits a chance to play in Europe’s top flight competition. It’s up to Napoli to respond appropriately.

Will Cavani Be At Napoli Next Season?Market Research

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cheech

The San Paolo is a special place for south american players and tracing the footsteps of maradona. I think they are able to hold on to these players more easily for this reason and also napoli shows ambition every year by steadily improving the squad and not selling their best players so i don't think there is any reason to leave. They may have to give Cavani a payrise though for his great season
Drewsef

If they make the CL, I think Cavani stays, no question. He seems to definitely want to remain in Italy, and he’s gone a long way to endear himself to the fans down there in Napoli. And unlike Sanchez, who seems to have C-Ron-esque ambitions, the guy seems like he just wants to find a non-dysfunctional club that’ll let him play on the big stage.

If Napoli somehow miss the CL spots, I’d say he has a 70% or so chance of leaving – but I could still see him being convinced to stick it out another year if Napoli cut him a good enough deal.
Ffu4

Newcastle? God I hate the damn EPL, what the hell kind of club is newcastle?
Julian

In all fairness to them, one with a great history. Let's not forget where Napoli was five years ago.
agiamba

Contractually I don't see how Cavani doesn't stay at Napoli. He's on loan right now, and Napoli have the right to buy. They certainly will, and I don't think they have any intention to sell right now. If they owned him, maybe he could leave, but that's not even the case. (yet)
LorenzoRosanero

Exactly what Aaron said. Cavani is technically on loan right now to Napoli but they are obligated to buy him at season's end. Only difference is they will be making the payments over a four year span. Hard to see how he can leave when he isn't even owned by Napoli yet.
Jose P

Napoli fans don't sweat it, the boy is stayin' put! rest assured they'll make the CL, where El Matador will shine, and i'll be one to support their campaign. Forza Juve!
Ciro

Cavani is goin nowhere! The kid loves it at Napoli!
Samuel Dieudonne.

I voted that Cavani will remain at Napoli next season, because I fully believe they will earn a Champions League birth by seasons end. Also it's highly unlikely that the Uruguayan will ever put up such impressing numbers again for a long while. Of course a big money move will always be difficult to turn down, but I hope both he and the club can resist that temptation. Serie A must thrive to keep hold of it's best players. Same logic applies to Udinese and Sanchez too.

Fantastic read as always Julian!