Midfielder Scott McTominay, worth €80 million, who was nominated for the Ballon d’Or, has been told “to go to Real Madrid” and “NOT to Everton”.
A midfielder who is flourishing after leaving Manchester United has been urged to join Real Madrid in 2026, after former Everton striker Louis Saha has stated that he is too good to play for the Toffees.
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Although Scott McTominay did well during his time in the first team of Manchester United after coming up through the club’s youth academy, he was never mentioned among the best midfielders in the Premier League. However, following his move to Napoli in the summer of 2024, the 28-year-old has established himself as one of the best players in the world and even finished 18th in the 2025 Men’s Ballon d’Or rankings.
McTominay, who was a key player when Napoli won the Scudetto under manager Antonio Conte in the 2024/25 season, will play for Scotland in the 2026 World Cup finals next summer.
Later today, Sunday, it is time for a top match where Napoli, who are in 3rd place in Serie A, travel to the Stadio Olimpico to meet Roma who are currently in 2nd place.
The 28-year-old is at the top of his game at the moment, and it has not gone unnoticed by big clubs in the Premier League. Everton are among the clubs interested in a deal for McTominay in 2026. “We know from this summer that both Arsenal and Tottenham are watching closely, as are McTominay’s former club Manchester United.
However, former Manchester United and Everton striker Louis Saha believes McTominay should not move to the Toffees and has urged him to try and join Real Madrid, Barcelona or Bayern Munich instead.
The Sun quotes Saha as saying of McTominay: “Well, it’s good for speculation, but I can’t imagine a player in such good form going to Everton. I’m surprised to hear these kinds of rumors. I just can’t imagine it happening. I think he’s playing incredibly well at the moment at Napoli. I think a return to the Premier League could be right for him in the long run, but right now I don’t see it – and especially not for Everton. I think he’s good enough to go to Real Madrid or Barcelona, maybe Bayern Munich. That’s the level he’s capable of, and no disrespect to Everton, but they’re just not there.”
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Can Scott McTominay leave Napoli?
Although McTominay is in fine form for Napoli, it is hard to imagine Real Madrid signing the Scotland international in 2026.
Not only do Madrid have enough world-class midfielders, such as Federico Valverde, Aurélien Tchouaméni, Eduardo Camavinga and Jude Bellingham, but McTominay is also 28 years old and does not have the age profile that Los Blancos usually spend big money on.
Moreover, Napoli will demand a hefty fee for McTominay, who is under contract with the defending Italian champions until the summer of 2028.
TEAMTalk writes that Napoli will not even listen to offers under 80 million euros for McTominay – something Madrid will not pay.
“We’re building something special here,” a source told TEAMtalk’s transition correspondent Fraser Fletcher. “Scott is thriving—why would they bother with it?”
Nevertheless, McTominay still wants to return to the Premier League.
“Scott’s heart is still beating for the Premier League,” the source added. “But it has to be right – the right club, the right project, the right role. He’s not chasing a paycheck; He is building a legacy.”
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Meanwhile, former Liverpool right-back Trent Alexander-Arnold is starting to gain traction in the Real Madrid media, and Los Blancos manager Xabi Alonso has also praised him.
Real Madrid are reportedly ready to sell their “outstanding” midfielder to Liverpool at a reasonable price.
And finally, Real Madrid’s decision to end their pursuit of Liverpool defender Ibrahima Konate has “surprised” Kylian Mbappé.
