Napoli have finalized the signing of Torino goalkeeper Vanja Milinkovic-Savic in a €21 million deal spread over four years, with Fabrizio Romano confirming the transfer with his famous “Here We Go” announcement.
Fabrizio Romano officially confirmed the deal just 32 minutes ago on social media: “Vanja Milinković-Savić al Napoli, here we go! Accordo totale. Costerà 21mln in 4 anni.” The announcement caps off weeks of negotiations between the two Serie A clubs, with Napoli finally securing their primary goalkeeper target.
The timing of Romano’s confirmation comes after Napoli and Torino have now sealed the deal for the Serbian international, with the transfer expected to be formalized within hours.
Deal Structure and Payment Terms
According to reports from Fabrizio Romano and Matteo Moretto, Napoli and Torino now have a deal in place for a permanent transfer. Despite the towering Serbian having a €19 million release clause in his contract, Napoli have agreed to pay a higher fee of €21 million in exchange for spreading the payments over four years.
The payment structure allows Napoli to manage their finances better while giving Torino the full amount they were seeking for their star goalkeeper. This approach satisfied both clubs’ financial needs in the current market.
Contract Terms Until 2029
Napoli are nearing a deal to sign Torino goalkeeper Vanja Milinkovic-Savic, with a contract until June 2029, offering €1.7 million per year and an option for 2030, according to Nicolo Schira. The 28-year-old Serbian will become one of Napoli’s highest-paid players in his position.
The contract length shows Napoli’s long-term commitment to the goalkeeper, viewing him as their number one for the foreseeable future under Antonio Conte’s management.
Leeds United Miss Out
Leeds United goalkeeper target Vanja Milinkovic-Savic has reportedly agreed personal terms for a potential move to Serie A champions Napoli, dealing a blow to the Championship club’s summer plans. Leeds had been strongly linked with the Serbian international but were ultimately outmaneuvered by Napoli’s decisive approach.
The Whites have just over a month before the start of the Premier League, with multiple positions needing attention, making the loss of their primary goalkeeper target a setback in their transfer strategy.
Beating Manchester United Interest
The transfer comes despite interest from Manchester United, who had started negotiations to sign Vanja Milinković-Savić from Torino. The club was seeking a quality and experienced goalkeeper, and Vanja Milinković-Savić fit the criteria of ‘value for money’ according to Fabrizio Romano.
However, Napoli’s quicker approach and the player’s preference for Serie A football helped seal the deal ahead of the Premier League giants.
Player’s Strong Serie A Record
The 28-year-old Serbian recorded 10 clean sheets and four penalty saves in 33 Serie A games last season, establishing himself as one of the most reliable goalkeepers in Italian football. His consistent performances for Torino caught the attention of multiple top clubs across Europe.
Milinkovic-Savic has had plenty of suitors in the early stages of the summer transfer window, entering the final year of his contract in 2025-26, and looked likely to secure a move away from Toro after spending eight years on the club’s books.
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Personal Terms Agreed in June
Napoli are accelerating in their pursuit for Vanja Milinkovic-Savic, with the player having said yes to Napoli’s proposal back in June. The early agreement on personal terms gave Napoli a huge advantage in negotiations, allowing them to focus solely on reaching an agreement with Torino.
This head start proved crucial when other clubs entered the race, as Napoli already had the player’s commitment secured.
Ngonge Exchange Deal
The transfer is part of a broader exchange between the two clubs, with Cyril Ngonge moving in the opposite direction. Torino and Napoli have now sealed Cyril Ngonge’s deal after verbal agreement last week, with medical examinations booked for Thursday.
Torino will pay €1 million loan fee plus €17 million buy option clause for the Belgian winger, creating a mutually beneficial arrangement for both clubs.
Eight Years at Torino End
Milinkovic-Savic’s departure marks the end of an eight-year association with Torino, where he developed into one of Serie A’s most consistent goalkeepers. His journey from a promising young keeper to an established international has been entirely at the Turin-based club.
The goalkeeper’s departure will be felt heavily by Torino supporters, who have watched him grow into a key figure both on and off the pitch during his time at the club.
International Experience
The Serbian international brings valuable experience to Napoli’s goalkeeping department, having represented his country at various levels throughout his career. His international pedigree adds another dimension to Napoli’s squad as they prepare for domestic and European competitions.
His penalty-saving ability, demonstrated by four successful stops last season, could prove crucial in high-pressure situations for Napoli.
Conte’s First Choice Keeper
Antonio Conte had identified Milinkovic-Savic as his preferred option between the posts, with the Italian coach impressed by the Serbian’s shot-stopping ability and distribution skills. The signing fulfills one of Conte’s key requirements for the upcoming season.
The goalkeeper’s style of play aligns perfectly with Conte’s tactical system, providing both security at the back and the ability to start attacks from deep positions.
Medical Scheduled Soon
With the deal now confirmed by Romano, Milinkovic-Savic is expected to undergo his medical examinations at Napoli’s training facilities within the next 24-48 hours. The formalities are expected to be completed without any complications.
Once the medical is passed, the Serbian will officially become a Napoli player and join their pre-season preparations ahead of the new campaign.
