Rumor: Riccardo Bigon to leave Napoli, join Hellas Verona

There's been some speculation as to the future of Riccardo Bigon with Napoli of late. There was talk a couple of months ago that both Bigon and Napoli had decided not to renew his contract as the club's sporting director, and with just one year left on that deal, plans would have to be made for his future.

Now, we're starting to get a picture of that future: after several days of speculation, Bigon is being heavily linked with a move to Hellas Verona. Their current sporting director, Sean Sogliano, is expected to leave at the end of the season when his contract expires, leaving a hole open that Bigon appears to be set to fill.

It hurts to lose someone who was so crucial to building this Napoli side. Joining the club in 2009, Bigon has been a major part of Napoli propelling themselves from a midtable side with lofty ambitions to one of the best sides in Italy -- but many people doubt his ability to land premium talent, and Napoli need more premium players if they're going to take the next step they need in order to become an elite side.

That means that it's time to move on, to bring in someone in that sporting director role to help give Napoli the push they need. It's unfortunate to lose such a wonderful servant to the club, but needs must. At least Verona would seem to be a good fit for him -- his talent for finding good players at excellent value will come in handy for them as they try to push their way up the Serie A table.

If this rumor does hold true, we wish the best of luck to Bigon in his future. He deserves only success for what he's done for Napoli.