Napoli eye Nigerian midfielder who made Chelsea debut at 17 in a ₦13 billion January deal

Napoli are reportedly keen on signing Empoli midfielder Tino Anjorin as they seek reinforcements in the January transfer window, Soccernet.football reports.

The Serie A giants, under the direction of sporting director Giovanni Manna and manager Antonio Conte, are determined to strengthen their squad for the latter half of the season.

According to Italian newspaper Il Mattino via Area Napoli, Napoli have identified Anjorin as a priority target.

The 22-year-old, who joined Empoli on a free transfer last summer, has quickly established himself as a key player under manager Roberto D’Aversa.

Empoli are reportedly valuing the former Chelsea academy product at €8 million (approximately ₦13 billion), and the deal is described as “very hot,” with Napoli said to be closely monitoring the situation.

Who is Tino Anjorin?

Born in Poole, England, on November 23, 2001, Faustino Adebola Rasheed Anjorin began his football journey at Chelsea’s academy.

He joined the development centre at the age of seven and signed officially at the under-9 level. A standout performer at youth level, he scored in Chelsea’s 2018 FA Youth Cup final victory over Arsenal.

Anjorin made his Chelsea first-team debut in 2019 during a 7–1 EFL Cup win against Grimsby Town aged just 17.

He followed that up with his Premier League debut in March 2020 and a UEFA Champions League start in December of the same year.

Despite showing promise, he struggled to secure regular first-team opportunities at Stamford Bridge, leading to loan spells at Lokomotiv Moscow, Huddersfield Town, and Portsmouth.

In August 2024, Anjorin made a permanent move to Empoli, signing a three-year deal.

After a slow start, the dynamic midfielder has flourished, becoming a key figure in Empoli’s midfield. In his first few months in Italy, Anjorin has made 15 Serie A appearances, providing three assists for his teammates. His versatility, creativity, and eye for goal have drawn attention from Napoli.

Eligible to represent both England and Nigeria, Anjorin has played for England at youth level, featuring for the under-17s, under-18s, and under-19s.

He made his England under-20 debut in 2021.

However, with Nigeria actively recruiting dual-nationality players, the Super Eagles could yet convince Anjorin to switch allegiances.