Napoli Nearing Deal to Land Dutch Defender Sam Beukema
Napoli are edging closer to completing a deal for Sam Beukema, the talented Dutch center-back currently with Bologna, in what looks like a calculated and promising move to strengthen their defense ahead of the 2024–25 Serie A campaign.
After a turbulent season in which the reigning champions failed to defend their Scudetto title, Napoli are hitting the reset button. With a new manager in place and a squad in need of fresh energy, the club is looking to reinforce key positions — and center-back is high on the priority list. That’s where Beukema comes in.
At 25 years old, Beukema has quickly made a name for himself in Italian football. After joining Bologna from AZ Alkmaar in 2023, the Dutchman became a mainstay in Thiago Motta’s back line, helping the club to a historic top-four finish and Champions League qualification. His performances caught the attention of clubs across Italy — but it’s Napoli who’ve moved fastest.
The Dutch defender isn’t the flashiest name in the market, but he offers something Napoli desperately need: reliability, composure, and tactical discipline. Beukema stands at 6-foot-2 and is known for his strong aerial presence, intelligent positioning, and comfort playing out from the back — all qualities that align with Napoli’s possession-oriented style.
Talks between Napoli and Bologna have progressed quickly, and sources close to the negotiations suggest a full agreement is near. The transfer fee is expected to be in the region of €10–12 million, and personal terms are not expected to be a stumbling block. Barring any last-minute surprises, Beukema could be in Naples for a medical within days.
This move signals a clear shift in Napoli’s transfer strategy. Rather than chasing only marquee names, the club appears focused on building a more balanced and durable squad — with players like Beukema who bring consistency and tactical intelligence, even if they don’t dominate headlines.
For Beukema, the transfer would be another big step forward in his career. He’s risen steadily from the Dutch second division with Go Ahead Eagles to starring in the Eredivisie and now excelling in Serie A. Joining Napoli, a club with title ambitions and regular European football, represents the natural next stage in his development.
Napoli fans, meanwhile, will hope Beukema can help shore up a defense that struggled with injuries and inconsistency last season. With veterans like Amir Rrahmani and Juan Jesus aging, and Kim Min-jae having left a void after his move to Bayern Munich, the arrival of a younger, ready-made option like Beukema is timely.
While the deal hasn’t crossed the finish line just yet, all signs point toward Sam Beukema becoming Napoli’s next signing. If finalized, it could be one of the more underrated — yet impactful — moves of the Serie A summer window.
