Napoli agree to €26 million deal to sign Nikola Maksimovic

The wait is finally almost over: Napoli and Torino have come to terms on a deal for the transfer of Nikola Maksimovic, for €25 million guaranteed plus €1 million in potential bonuses. Also involved in the deal is a one-year loan of Mirko Valdifiori, which will come with an as-of-yet unknown purchase clause.

With only a medical left to go — Napoli is believed to have worked out personal terms with Maksimovic as well — the deal will easily be wrapped up before the transfer deadline, and he’s expected to be in Naples tonight ahead of finalizing everything in the morning.

It’s been a long ride for Maksimovic to get here — Napoli first started chasing him over a year ago, and made another pass at signing him in January before renewing their interest this summer. Now it’s finally happening, and it’s a huge boost to Napoli’s defense, bringing quality and versatility in spades.

The departure of Valdifiori isn’t a painful one, as the Italian has been a great disappointment since joining last summer. He was an inexpensive signing, though, so there’s no huge loss in nay way — it’s just nice that using him in this deal makes Maksimovic slightly cheaper.