Scott McTominay could be on his way back to the Premier League, just over a year after leaving Manchester United for Napoli. Despite guiding the Italian giants to a Serie A title and becoming a fan favourite in Naples, reports claim the Scottish midfielder has struggled to adapt to the intensity of life off the pitch — with sources describing the attention as ‘suffocating’.
McTominay dazzles in Italy
After a glittering debut campaign in Italy, McTominay’s time at Napoli has taken an unexpected turn as per The Sun. The Scotland international joined the club from Manchester United in the summer of 2024 for around £25 million and played a pivotal role in their title triumph, scoring 12 goals and earning Serie A’s Player of the Year award. His performances even saw him finish 18th in the Ballon d’Or rankings.
However, as per The Sun’s report, things have become more complicated this season. While McTominay has scored three times in the opening weeks of the new campaign, Napoli have found consistency harder to come by and sit third in Serie A, trailing AC Milan by two points, before their win over Inter Milan on Saturday. The midfielder is reportedly finding life off the pitch more challenging than on it, prompting talk that he could consider a return to English football sooner rather than later.
That speculation has only grown after The Sun reported that McTominay is finding the overwhelming passion of Napoli’s fanbase increasingly difficult to manage. Despite being adored in the city, the constant public attention and limited personal freedom are said to have taken a toll. The same report suggests that several Premier League sides are already monitoring his situation closely ahead of next summer’s transfer window.
AdvertisementAFPMcTominay 'suffocated' in Serie A
According to a source quoted in the report, McTominay’s struggles have more to do with lifestyle than footballing matters. “Scott loves elements of Italian life and had a wonderful first season,” the source said. “But the passion of the fans can be a blessing but also make things difficult. He is treated as a god over there but it means he finds it difficult to do simple things when he’s not training. The attention can be suffocating.”
The Scot’s profile in Naples has skyrocketed following his heroics last season, where he was often the driving force in Antonio Conte’s midfield. His blend of physical strength, late runs into the box, and leadership have made him indispensable to the reigning champions.
Still, McTominay’s fame has brought challenges few expected. The streets of Naples are football-mad, and top players are treated like royalty — a status that comes with constant attention from fans and media alike. However, the same fanfare can quickly turn into rage if performance levels drop and results fail to back the team.
McTominay still scoring
McTominay’s transition to Italian football was viewed as a bold step in his career after 22 years at Manchester United, where he came through the academy and became a reliable figure under multiple managers. His £25 million transfer to Napoli was primarily driven by United’s need to comply with Profit and Sustainability Rules, with the club reluctantly sanctioning his sale despite Erik ten Hag’s preference to keep him. The move allowed United to generate “pure profit” in their books while McTominay sought a new challenge abroad.
In Naples, the midfielder wasted no time silencing any doubters. He became the heartbeat of a Napoli side that dethroned Inter Milan to lift their fourth Serie A crown. His goals, leadership, and physical presence earned him player of the year honours and widespread praise across Europe. McTominay’s success even sparked debates among pundits, with some calling United’s decision to sell him “a mistake,” given how integral he became in Italy.
AFPWhat comes next?
Despite the growing talk of discomfort off the field, McTominay remains a central figure in Conte’s plans. His professionalism and form continue to make him one of Serie A’s most valuable midfielders, and there has been no formal indication from Napoli that they are willing to part ways. However, with several Premier League clubs reportedly keeping tabs on his situation, the prospect of a return to England cannot be ruled out.
Much will depend on how McTominay adapts to life in Naples over the remainder of the season. Should the off-field pressures persist, a summer move might suit all parties, especially given Manchester United hold a 10% sell-on clause for his transfer. The Red Devils are not expected to re-enter the race, but mid-to-upper-table Premier League sides could see him as an ideal addition due to his experience, leadership, and proven goal threat from midfield.