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Raul Albiol – Real Madrid to Napoli (£10m)
Raul Albiol
What’s the deal? More Spaniards follow Rafa Benitez to Napoli.
Is the price right? It’s fair price. Albiol is a top quality player and was a little unlucky that he lost his place at the start of last season to young superstar Rafael Varane. However, he did start fairly regularly in 2013. He’s a class act.
Why sign him? Napoli’s weakness over the last few years has been defensively, and Albiol is a big upgrade on what they have at the moment. With their lively attack this is the kind of thing that could help them push towards the league title.
Why sell him? He was going to be behind Sergio Ramos and Varane and maybe even Pepe in the pecking order. He’s been a loyal and uncomplaining servant to the club so it was fair to let him go at a good price.
Will it work? He’s moving from one tactical league to another and has the type of personality to step up as the leader of the defence and thrive just as he did at Valencia.
Grade: A. Quality player, good price, fills a big need and playing for a manager who will know how to get the best out of him.
