Scott McTominay, the midfielder currently with Napoli, is taking his time to decide on his future amidst concrete interest from Premier League clubs. Both Manchester United and Aston Villa are keen on the Scottish international, but the player is not rushing his decision.
The Mancunians parted ways with McTominay in the summer of 2024, sending him to Naples for £25 million. He quickly became a fans' favourite, helping Napoli clinch their fourth Scudetto in his debut season by scoring 12 goals and providing 4 assists. Overall, McTominay has recorded 22 goals and 7 assists in his first 69 appearances in Serie A.
Currently, the midfielder's contract with Napoli runs until the summer of 2028. The Italian club is actively attempting to extend his deal, but the player's wage demands pose a significant hurdle.
Italian journalist Giovanni Scotto recently shared insights regarding McTominay's stance:
He hasn’t yet renewed his contract with Napoli and wants to think everything through. Manchester United and Aston Villa have both shown interest, but McTominay intends to wait.
Napoli’s hierarchy are determined to keep hold of their key player and are preparing a compromise contract that might include an option for a future transfer based on a gentleman's agreement:
Napoli do not want to lose McTominay and will offer him an extension with an option to leave through a verbal agreement, a sort of handshake. I am not aware of any fixed buyout clauses. If the midfielder receives a solid offer, the club may let him go in two to three years. If he wishes to leave this June, his transfer value next summer will be no less than €25-30 million (£21.7-26 million).
The topic of a possible return has been emotively raised by Manchester United legend Wayne Rooney, who highlighted that the Red Devils fans would be thrilled to see McTominay back at Old Trafford:
I couldn’t believe Manchester United let him go because he’s incredibly hard-working. At that time, he was exactly the type of player you wanted on the pitch every week. Others didn’t put in the same effort, and Scott made a difference. He played closer to the attack and scored crucial goals. When he was sold, I thought: ‘What on earth is happening?’ Anyone would love to have him back in the team right now.
Despite the sentimental yearnings in Manchester and interest from Aston Villa, McTominay has adopted a wait-and-see approach, opting not to rush any decisions regarding a return to England.
