Napoli have not set a deadline on Frank Anguissa’s future, with sporting director Giovanni Manna making clear that a renewal remains possible but that a summer departure would be handled without conflict if no agreement is reached.
The decision
Anguissa’s contract runs until 30 June, and discussions over an extension remain unresolved. Manna said he had met both the Cameroon midfielder and his representatives at the end of August, while stressing that daily contact has continued inside the club.
The position is one of patience rather than pressure. Napoli would be happy to reach terms that suit both parties, but Manna indicated that the club would also respect Anguissa’s contribution should the relationship conclude at the end of the campaign.
“If we can find an arrangement that works for everyone, that is positive,” Manna said. “If not, Frank has given a great deal to Napoli and Napoli have given a great deal to him. There would be no difficulty in parting ways after the season. His attention is entirely on this season and the project.”
Manna also urged calm over the player’s condition. Anguissa had not played regularly since last November and had dealt with physical issues during the previous season. Napoli remain convinced of his value and believe the midfielder understands that confidence.
“We have to consider his technical moment as well,” Manna said. “He had not really played since November last year. He needs time and calm. There are small fitness problems, and last season he had significant issues. He knows we trust him.”
Past targets in Florence
Manna was also asked about Fiorentina players Franco Mastantuono and Nicolò Fagioli, both of whom Napoli had monitored previously.
Napoli followed Mastantuono during his River Plate spell and spoke to his agents this year, as they did with many other players. Manna described him as a strong talent admired across the game, but said the terms on which Real Madrid allowed him to join Fiorentina did not fit Napoli’s needs at this stage.
On Fagioli, Manna spoke warmly of a player he knows from their time at Juventus. He said Italy must build again around footballers with Fagioli’s natural quality, praising his ability to identify possibilities others miss and adding that the national team needs players of that kind.
Sunday’s picture
Manna outlined Napoli’s stance shortly before Fiorentina hosted Napoli in the lunchtime fixture of Serie A’s fifth round. Anguissa was with the squad and, in the club’s view, fully focused on the season despite the uncertainty surrounding his contract.
