Italian giants Napoli are reportedly monitoring Southampton full-back Yukinari Sugawara ahead of a potential summer move.
Sugawara, 24, is said to be on Napoli's shortlist of right-backs and could depart St Mary's after just one year with the club. The Japan international joined Southampton in a £6 million summer transfer from AZ Alkmaar but has struggled to make a significant impact since his arrival.
Transfer journalist Fabrizio Romano reports that the Saints could be offered the chance to offload Sugawara during the summer transfer window. In his column, Romano stated, "Napoli have added Yukinari Sugawara to their shortlist at right back position. He's one of the names being monitored for the summer." This places Sugawara on the radar of Serie A, with Napoli in search of a specialist right-back.
Manager Ivan Juric has expressed concerns over Sugawara's performance, challenging him to be more careful in light of repeated errors that have led to the Saints conceding goals. This season, Sugawara has made 26 appearances in the Premier League, scoring once and providing one assist, but his inconsistency has drawn ire from the coaching staff.
Frustration has set in for the young defender, as he has admitted to feeling "not satisfied" with both his individual performances and the team's struggles this season. Sugawara's quest for redemption is compounded by his desire to secure his place in Japan's squad for the 2026 World Cup, where he played a vital role in helping the Blue Samurai become the first team to qualify.
In an interview with the Daily Echo, Sugawara reflected on his situation, stating, "I don't want to think about the future after this season because I just focus on my career at Saints. Now I've been in a tough period, and we have to work for the club until the end of the season. Then we will think about it. But now I just focus on performances at Saints. I don't think about transfers or anything if we are relegated. I really don't want to think about it. We just have to fight to stay up in the Premier League. That's the only thing I can and we have to do."
With Southampton facing the specter of relegation from the Premier League due to a disappointing season, Sugawara is poised for another move. The club's potential relegation could lead to changes in personnel, and Napoli's interest could offer Sugawara a pathway to remain in a top league while continuing to develop his career.
As the summer transfer window approaches, the eyes of the football world will be on sightings and developments surrounding Sugawara, who must now focus on performing at his best during the remaining matches of the season. Can they clinch survival in the Premier League and retain their player, or will he be heading to Italy as Southampton's season swings in the balance?
