Serie A: Super Eagles-eligible star leaves Napoli

The former Bari midfield ace is finally set to make his Serie A debut after years in the lower leagues

Napoli have sanctioned the departure of midfielder Michael Folorunsho to Hellas Verona, Soccernet.ng reports.

Folorunsho joins Hellas Verona on a season-long loan deal that will run until June next year.

His contract with Napoli was to expire in 2024, but he committed to a contract extension with the Scudetto winners before leaving for his sixth loan spell.

The 25-year-old midfielder has been with Napoli since joining from Virtus Francavilla in 2019 for €1 million.

He has not made an official appearance for Napoli since then, rather going out on loans to Bari (twice), Reggina, and Pordenone.

Folorunsho was one of the stars for Bari last season as the club made it to the promotion playoffs but ultimately failed to gain access to Serie A.

And after 88 appearances in Serie B, where he scored 18 goals and notched seven assists, and 71 appearances in Serie C, where he contributed eight goals and two assists, the Roma-born midfield ace is ready to experience Serie A with Hellas Verona.

Interestingly, Verona finished in the top-flight’s relegation zone last season but survived getting relegated after beating Spezia in a one-off playoff at the end of the campaign.

Folorunsho could make his Serie A debut when Verona face Empoli this weekend.

Born in Italy to parents of Nigerian descent, Folorunsho remains eligible to play for the Super Eagles. And he could brighten his chances of getting an invitation to the three-time African champions if he excels in Italy’s elite division.