Napoli owner hands African players a shocking transfer ultimatum

During a live stream event, Aurelio De Laurentiis issued an ultimatum to African players who wish to join his club.

Napoli owner Aurelio De Laurentiis has announced he won’t sign African players unless they agree to not play in the African Cup of Nations.

This comes after Senegal defender Kalidou Koulibaly, who now plays for Chelsea, and Cameroon midfielder Andre Zambo Anguissa missed several Napoli games last season to compete in this year’s AFCON tournament, which took place between January and February.

Napoli president Aurelio de Laurentiis says he doesn't want any more Africans at the club unless they commit in writing to not playing at the Africa Cup of Nations.pic.twitter.com/GBfO865zVg

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“I told them lads, don’t talk to me about Africans anymore!” said De Laurentiis on a Wall Street Italia talk show.

“I love them, but either they sign something confirming they’ll back out of playing the Africa Cup of Nations, or otherwise between that tournament, the World Cup qualifiers in South America, these players are never available!”

The Italian film producer added: “We are the idiots who pay salaries only to send them all over the world playing for others.”

After Koulibaly’s reported €40 million move to Chelsea earlier this summer, Victor Osimhen and Zambo Anguissa are the two remaining players on Napoli’s books.