Napoli released a formal statement threatening legal action against Schalke 04 after the talks to sell Jesper Lindstrom collapsed, giving their version of what went so wrong.
As recently as last night, the move seemed to be well on the way to completion without problems.
The Denmark international had already flown out to Germany in order to undergo medical tests, and had a full agreement on personal terms.
Official: Jesper Lindstrom joins VfL Wolfsburg on loan with an option to buy from Serie A side Napoli.
It was set to be a free loan with option to buy for €5m plus add-ons at the end of the season, which could become an obligation if certain conditions were met during the campaign.
However, it was reported today that Schalke became infuriated over some changes to the verbal agreement, and decided to simply abandon the entire transfer.
Now the Serie A side has released a statement with a precise timeline giving their version of events, and threatening legal action against Schalke 04.
UDINE, ITALY – MAY 06: Jesper Lindstrøm of SSC Napoli looks on during the Serie A TIM match between Udinese Calcio and SSC Napoli at Dacia Arena on May 06, 2024 in Udine, Italy. (Photo by Alessandro Sabattini/Getty Images)
"SSC Napoli wishes to clarify the situation surrounding the failed transfer of player Jesper Lindstrom to Schalke 04, due to inaccurate information circulated in the press," read the statement.
"Following an exchange of correspondence yesterday regarding the general terms of the contract, without ever questioning the financial terms of the agreement or the payment methods, at 1:00 PM today the German club informed us that certain proposed clauses were unacceptable, especially given the changed technical and sporting needs resulting from the injuries to two players over the weekend, which would necessitate a change in transfer strategies.
"At 1:22 PM, a response was sent to the German club. While reiterating that these were minor changes to the structure of the deal, and understanding the German club's new technical needs, SSC Napoli was willing to accept the version of the contract as proposed by Schalke, the club stated.
"Despite this, at 5:32 PM, the German club confirmed that it was no longer interested due to changed priorities in the squad, clearly demonstrating the true reasons behind the failure to complete the transaction.
"Hoping to have definitively clarified the true responsibilities for the player's failed transfer, SSC Napoli reserves the right to take all appropriate action before the competent authorities to protect its rights."
Lindstrom was a disastrous signing for Napoli, arriving from Eintracht Frankfurt for €30m in 2023, but immediately going off on loan to Everton and Wolfsburg after failing to make an impact.
