Napoli sign Amin Younes, but family issues delay his arrival

Napoli have made a signing in the winter transfer window — but because of some apparent unfortunate circumstances, it’s only a pre-contract for the player to join in the summer.

That signing is Ajax winger Amin Younes, a 24 year old German international with a solid track record over the last couple of years. He’s had some knee issues this season that have limited him to just nine Eredivisie matches and one goal, but between the Eredivisie and the Europa League, Younes scored 15 goals with 12 assists over the last two seasons. He’s best on the left wing, but can play on the right and has even pitched in playing behind the striker at times.

Napoli had initially signed Younes to a pre-contract with the intent of working out a deal with Ajax to bring him in this month instead of in June when his current contract expires, with reports indicating that the teams had agreed to a €5 million transfer. Younes had even come to Italy and taken his medical ahead of the move being finalized, but he suddenly departed the country, kicking off rumors that the deal was dead.

That is not the case as it turns out — Younes won’t be joining this month, yes, but his pre-contract move this summer is still on. The reason? Apparently some serious family issues cropped up during the course of working on the transfer that has Younes needing to stay closer to home for the next few months. That’s unfortunate, but understandable, and hopefully whatever is going on resolves quickly and positively.

It’s been a long and difficult transfer window for Napoli, and this news won’t help anything for frustrated fans. But at least Younes is still coming — it just sucks he can’t help the team where they need him this season.