Napoli set record wage bill as Scudetto winners aim to compete with Europe’s elite

Napoli’s annual wage expenditure has surged to record levels, with reports from Italy claiming the Neapolitan side’s salary bill has risen from €110 million to €160 million for the upcoming year.

According to what has been reported by the Gazzetta dello Sport, the addition of high-wage players like Kevin De Bruyne and Rasmus Hojlund has seen Napoli’s expenditure hit a new record, as Aurelio De Laurentiis seeks to give head coach Antonio Conte and his team the best chance possible of reaching the very top level.

The €160 million total bill reported by Gazzetta consists of the wages of both the playing and coaching staff, whilst the players obviously make up a large proportion of the figure.

Napoli’s high-cost gamble hoping to pay off

Napoli’s increase in spending is part of a concerted strategy to establish the Neapolitan side as a major player in European football. After Scudetto success last season and with an experienced head coach in Antonio Conte, the sky is the limit for Aurelio De Laurentiis’ side.

The club president has revolutionised things in Naples since his arrival and the club are a long way from the financially plagued Napoli of old.

The increase in spending in the last 12 months is a result of several high-profile signings and contract renewals. Last summer, Romelu Lukaku arrived on a wage of €6 million per season, whilst Scott McTominay arrived on €3 million. This summer, De Bruyne is earning a reported €5.5 million over the season and Hojlund will cost the club €5 million in wages.

Renewals for Alex Meret and Frank Anguissa, and soon Matteo Politano, will further add to the club’s annual outlay. This total increase up to €160 million from €110 million represents a jump of 35%.