After his move from Manchester United to Napoli last summer, Scott McTominay has established himself as one of Serie A’s best players. He continues to score goals, most recently in Saturday’s clash at the Stadio Diego Armando Maradona against Inter Milan where they captured the top of the table from AC Milan.
It is reported that Scott McTominay could make a shocking return to the Premier League due to “suffocating” attention at Napoli following his move from Manchester United.
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Scott McTominay could be on his way back to the Premier League, just over a year after leaving Manchester United for Napoli.
Despite leading the Italian giants to a Serie A championship and becoming a fan favourite at Napoli, reports claim that the Scottish midfielder has struggled to adjust to the intensity of life off the pitch – with sources describing the attention as “suffocating”.
After a sparkling debut season in Italy, McTominay’s time at Napoli has taken an unexpected turn according to Sky Sports.
The Scotland international was brought to the club from Manchester United in the summer of 2024 for around £25 million, playing a key role in their title triumph. He scored 12 goals and was named Serie A’s player of the year, and his performances led to him finishing 18th in the Ballon d’Or rankings.
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However, things have gotten more complicated this season.
Although McTominay has scored three goals in the first weeks of the new season, Napoli have struggled to find consistency and are third in Serie A.
The midfielder is said to find life off the pitch more challenging than on the pitch, which has sparked speculation that he could consider a return to English football sooner rather than later.
McTominay finds the overwhelming passion of Napoli’s fan base increasingly difficult to handle.
Despite the fact
that he is loved in the city, the constant public attention and limited personal freedom are said to have left their mark.
The same report suggests that several Premier League clubs are already monitoring his situation closely ahead of next summer’s transfer window.
According to a source cited in the report, McTominay’s problems have more to do with lifestyle than with football-related matters.
The source said, “Scott loves elements of Italian life and had a wonderful first season, but the passion of the fans can be a blessing but also make things difficult.”
The source added, “He’s treated like a god over there, but that means he finds it hard to do simple things when he’s not working out. The attention can be suffocating.”
The Scot’s profile at Napoli has exploded after his heroics last season, where he was often the driving force in Antonio Conte’s midfield.
His combination of physical strength, late runs into the box, and leadership skills have made him indispensable to the reigning champions.
Still, McTominay’s fame has brought with it challenges that few expected.
The streets of Naples are football-crazy, and top players are treated like royalty – a status that comes with constant attention from fans and the media.
However, that same excitement can quickly turn into rage if performance levels drop and results fail the team.
McTominay’s move to Italian football was seen as a bold step in his career after 22 years at Manchester United.
He came through the youth department and became a reliable figure under several managers.
His £25 million transfer to Napoli was primarily driven by United’s need to comply with Profit and Sustainability Rules, and the club reluctantly approved his sale despite Erik ten Hag preferring to keep him.
The transfer allowed United to generate “pure profit” in the accounts, while McTominay sought a new challenge abroad.
At Napoli, the midfielder took no time to silence the critics.
He became the heart of a Napoli team that toppled Inter Milan to lift their fourth Serie A championship.
His goal, leadership and physical presence earned him the Player of the Year award 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 central he became in Italy.
Despite the growing talk of discomfort off the pitch, McTominay remains a central figure in Conte’s plans.
His professionalism and form mean that he remains 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 monitoring his situation, the possibility of a return to England cannot be ruled out.
A lot will depend on how McTominay adapts to life in Naples for the rest of the season.
If the pressure off the pitch persists, a summer sale could suit all parties, especially since Manchester United have a 10% resale clause in his transfer.
The Red Devils are not expected to get back into the game, but Premier League clubs in the middle and top of the table may see him as an ideal addition due to his experience, leadership, and proven goal threat from midfield.
