Following the season-ending injury of Giovanni Di Lorenzo in January, Napoli shifted their focus to signing right-footed winger Alisson Santos instead of seeking a new right-back.
Under the guidance of Antonio Conte, the club invested approximately €3.5 million to bring the 23-year-old on loan until season’s end, which included a €16.5 million buyout option from Sporting CP.
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Although Santos did not score in his first 18 league games for the Primeira Liga giants, it didn’t stop Napoli from securing his transfer during the winter transfer window.
After Noa Lang joined Galatasaray on a six-month loan after an underwhelming first half of his season, Napoli recognized the need for a new winger to bolster their attacking options.
Santos’ arrival may have gone unnoticed at first, but he quickly established himself as a key player for Napoli, becoming one of their standout performers in the latter half of the season.
Impressive Debut
The Brazilian made a remarkable impression in his Serie A debut, scoring a dramatic equalizer as a substitute during the Derby del Sole against Roma at the Diego Maradona Stadium in February.
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He followed up with a goal in only his third league start, helping Napoli secure a 2-1 victory over Torino. His goal mirrored his first, becoming a signature move early on in his Napoli career.
Fans have drawn comparisons between his ability to cut in from the left and find the net with pinpoint accuracy to that of former Scudetto winner Khvicha Kvaratskhelia.
Santos also displayed his lethal finishing with a goal in a 4-0 victory over Cremonese last month, showcasing his ability to outmaneuver his defender before finishing confidently from outside the box.
Although he managed only three goals across 11 league appearances, Santos played a crucial role in Napoli’s top-four ambitions alongside teammates like Scott McTominay and Kevin De Bruyne.
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Genuine Threat
The former Vitoria player emerged as Napoli’s most dangerous attacking option in the absence of David Neres, quickly winning over fans at the Maradona Stadium.
Santos found the back of the net four times out of 16 shots on target, showcasing his direct approach and eagerness to take chances in front of goal (as noted by ESPN). He has made a total of 29 attempts, reflecting his willingness to engage offensively.
Averaging 3.14 shots per 90 minutes, he also completes 24 passes per match, including 11 key passes. Santos demonstrates his dribbling prowess, with an average of 3.55 successful dribbles per game.
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He enjoys a dribble completion rate of 56.52%, an impressive statistic considering the defensive challenges in the league.
Interestingly, the Brazilian has only drawn seven fouls, a testament to his quick ball release and ability to slip past defenders with minimal contact.
Essential Acquisition
Napoli has an optional buyout clause in Santos’ loan agreement, and triggering it would be a sensible decision.
Acquiring a player of Santos’ caliber and potential for just €20 million represents an exceptional deal in today’s inflated transfer market.