ITALIAN club Napoli have reportedly shortlisted Southampton F.C full-back Yukinari Sugawara while they consider bolstering their defensive options ahead of the 25/26 season.
The Serie A side, currently sat second in the table, have been monitoring Sugawara as a potential backup to 31-year-old Giovanni Di Lorenzo, who has been a mainstay in Napoli’s defence since his signing from Empoli in 2019.
Sugawara has struggled for Southampton in a poor campaign for the Saints this season, as they desperately fight in the remaining few games to avoid breaking Derby’s record for the lowest tally of points accumulated in a league season (11).
The Japanese international — who penned a deal with bottom of the league Southampton from AZ Alkmaar in 2024 for £6million — has made 26 appearances this season, with just 2 clean sheets and one goal to show for it.
Despite only signing in July 2024, Southampton may be given the opportunity to seek alternative defensive options if the two clubs discuss a potential departure for the 24-year-old, according to transfer journalist Fabrizio Romano.
While the Saints have conceded a staggering 70 goals this season, Sugawara gave an honest assessment of his performances in a Saints shirt, admitting he is “not satisfied” with the impact he has made since his arrival.
With uncertainty looming around St Mary’s as to whether manager Ivan Juric will be leading the Saints out next season, Sugawara’s future in the red and white stripes of Southampton seems up in the air.
