McTominay contract stand-off at Napoli opens door for Real Madrid and Premier League clubs

Scott McTominay’s future at Napoli is increasingly uncertain after the Scotland international entered a contract stand-off with the Italian club, with Real Madrid and multiple Premier League sides monitoring the situation ahead of the January transfer window.

McTominay joined Napoli from Manchester United in the summer of 2024 in a permanent deal worth £25.9m (€30.5m), ending a 22-year association with Old Trafford that stretched back to his academy days. He quickly justified the fee, helping Napoli win the Serie A title in his debut season before remaining a key midfield figure as the club finished second behind Inter Milan last term.

Despite that settled form, Italian outlet Tutto Mercato reports there is ‘danger’ that a departure ‘could become more and more concrete’, with Napoli and McTominay yet to agree new terms. The club are said to prefer delaying any sale until the summer, but a January exit cannot be ruled out if negotiations remain deadlocked.

Real Madrid have reportedly made enquiries to establish McTominay’s availability, while the 29-year-old is described as ‘open’ to a return to the Premier League. His representatives are said to be in contact with several English clubs. Sky Sports previously reported that United themselves had ‘enquired’ about a potential reunion, with Aston Villa also credited with interest, though it remains unclear whether United are still actively involved.

For United, any sale to a third party would trigger a 10% sell-on clause negotiated as part of the original transfer. Based on the £25.9m fee Napoli paid, a comparable or higher deal could hand the club a meaningful financial boost — provided McTominay does not return to Old Trafford, which would void that arrangement.

McTominay has also continued to impress at international level for Scotland, further raising his profile and market value since leaving the Premier League.