Espanyol eyeing Napoli's Ngonge on loan deal with €15m option
The Barcelona-based club looks set to make their first January signing as they close in on Belgian forward Cyril Ngonge from Napoli to bolster their attacking options.
Espanyol are finally ready to dip their toes in the January transfer market after a quiet window that’s seen only departures thus far.
The Barcelona-based side have been playing it cool this month, with only Koleosho and Javi Hernández heading for the exit door. But with time running out before the window slams shut, they’re now looking to add some firepower up top.
Belgian forward in their sights
According to Italian sources including transfer guru Gianluca Di Marzio and SkySport, Espanyol are closing in on Belgian forward Cyril Ngonge. The 25-year-old would arrive on loan from Napoli with an option to make the move permanent for around €15 million.
Ngonge’s situation is a bit of a head-scratcher. Technically a Napoli player (where he’s got a Serie A winner’s medal), he’s currently on loan at Torino where things haven’t exactly gone to plan. Despite making 20 appearances for the Turin outfit, he’s only managed one goal and one assist.
Career trajectory
The Belgian’s Italian adventure began at Hellas Verona, where he impressed enough for Napoli to come calling. However, his time in Naples was forgettable with limited minutes, leading to his current Torino loan.
According to Transfermarkt, Ngonge’s current market value sits at around €8 million – nearly half of the proposed option-to-buy clause.
Versatile attacking option
What makes Ngonge an attractive proposition for Espanyol is his versatility across the front line:
- Can play as a central striker
- Comfortable operating from either wing
- Particularly effective cutting in from the right onto his stronger left foot
With Puado’s injury leaving Espanyol short of attacking options, Ngonge’s potential arrival would be a timely boost for the Pericos as they look to strengthen their offensive department.