Former Napoli midfielder Marek Hamsik has warned Barcelona that the Azzurri can “give them trouble” ahead of their meeting in the Champions League.

The Slovenian left the San Paolo in February 2019 but has been following his former club closely and feels the Azzurri have improved after the appointment of Gennaro Gattuso.

Ahead of the big match against the Blaugrana in the last 16 of the competition, the former captain has claimed the Partenopei could upset the Spanish league leaders.

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Stanislav Lobotka sees Napoli as “a step up in my career to a better and higher quality club” than Celta Vigo and thanks Marek Hamsik for advice.

The transfer was finally completed from Celta Vigo this afternoon for a reported €20m plus up to €4m in performance-related bonuses.

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Napoli have officially signed midfielder Stanislav Lobotka from Celta Vigo in a deal worth €20m plus bonuses.

The deal had been in the works for several weeks and he had his medical on Saturday, but had to finalise the details of his contract.

The 25-year-old Slovakia international will take part in training today with his new teammates.

It’s reported the cost of the operation was €20m plus up to €4m in performance-related bonuses.

Lobotka signed a contract to June 2024 worth €1.8m per season.

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Napoli are in negotiations with Celta Vigo for midfielder Stanislav Lobotka, claim multiple sources, with €25m on the table.

The 25-year-old has already been linked with a move to the Stadio San Paolo several times in recent seasons, allegedly recommended by former captain and fellow Slovakian Marek Hamsik.

He only joined Celta Vigo from Nordsjaelland for €5m in the summer of 2017, but his transfer value has sky-rocketed.

There is a release clause in his contract, although it’s not clear if it is worth €35m or €50m.

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Napoli striker Dries Mertens has reportedly been offered a two-year contract extension, according to Sky Sport Italia.

The Belgian striker has been at the San Paolo since 2013, when he signed from PSV Eindhoven for €9.5m.

He was initially deployed on the wing under Rafa Benitez, but Maurizio Sarri then converted him into a striker, and the goals have flowed ever since.

He recently overtook the legendary Diego Armando Maradona on Napoli’s greatest goalscorers’ list, and now sits second behind Marek Hamsik, on 118 in all competitions.

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Napoli announced Marek Hamsik will be honoured with an award before their home game against Genk on Tuesday. “There will be a surprise for him.”

Head of operations and marketing Alessandro Formisano was speaking to Radio Kiss Kiss about an array of issues, starting with honouring Hamsik’s contributions to Napoli.

“Hamsik will be there for Napoli-Genk. Marek has confirmed this date. An hour before the game, we will give him a small ceremony and present him with a surprise.

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Multiple reports suggest Jose Callejon will leave Napoli in January or the summer for a reunion with Rafa Benitez at Dalian Yifang.

The veteran winger turns 33 in February and his contract with the Partenopei is due to expire in June.

La Repubblica, La Gazzetta dello Sport and others all report Callejon will not extend his current deal and is going to China.

The obvious destination would be Dalian Yifang, where he’d reunite with both former Napoli teammate Marek Hamsik and coach Benitez.

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Marek Hamsik found it “great and exciting” to return to Napoli for their match against Atalanta but rued the “stonewall” penalty not given to his former club.

Hamsik made his first appearance at the San Siro last night since leaving Napoli for Chinese side Dalian Yifang in February.

However, some of the gloss was wiped away by refereeing controversy, resulting in a 2-2 draw between the Partenopei and Atalanta.

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Marek Hamsik returns to the San Paolo for the first time since he left Napoli when they play Atalanta on Wednesday, announced his agent.

Representative Juri Venglos confirmed in an interview with Radio Kiss Kiss that the Slovakian will be present for the first time since moving to Chinese club Dalian Yifang when Partenopei welcome high flying Atalanta to Napoli tomorrow evening.

“Yes, my client will be present for Napoli-Atalanta and it will be a beautiful moment for Marek, who has written history with the club,” Venglos told the radio station.

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