Napoli Trim Squad with Trio of Departures as Monza and Avellino Benefit

FolioPitch.com – 28 August 2026 | The summer transfer window is proving to be a period of significant restructuring for Napoli, as the club moves to streamline its roster and create financial flexibility. In a decisive move, the Partenopei have officially confirmed the departure of three players who were considered surplus to requirements. The headline transaction is the official Napoli release Ngonge and Folorunsho to Monza Cheddira sold to Avellino, a multi-pronged operation that addresses both the immediate needs of the squad and the long-term economic strategy of the club.

Napoli’s management had entered the off-season with a clear directive: to comply with financial fair play regulations and fund new acquisitions, they needed to offload players first. The decision to let go of Cyril Ngonge, Michael Folorunsho, and Walid Cheddira reflects a broader trend at the Stadio Diego Armando Maradona, where the focus is on building a more cohesive and efficient unit under the guidance of the coaching staff. The official Napoli release Ngonge and Folorunsho to Monza Cheddira sold to Avellino is not merely a series of exits; it is a statement of intent.

Michael Folorunsho, a dynamic midfielder who spent the previous campaign on loan at Cagliari, has now joined newly-promoted Serie A side Monza on a dry loan. The move, which sees him arrive at the Monzello training ground for his medical tests, is designed to give the player valuable top-flight experience and regular playing time. Folorunsho, who impressed during his time in Sardinia, will be expected to bring energy and creativity to Monza’s engine room. This component of the official Napoli release Ngonge and Folorunsho to Monza Cheddira sold to Avellino represents a sensible arrangement for all parties: Napoli reduce their wage bill, Monza acquire a proven Serie A performer, and the player continues his development.

Cyril Ngonge, a 26-year-old Belgian international, has also completed his move to Monza, but with a different structure. Ngonge, who was purchased from Hellas Verona in January 2024 for a reported €20 million, has struggled to replicate the form that once made him one of Italy’s most exciting wingers. His loan to Monza includes an option to buy, giving the Brianzoli the chance to secure his services permanently should he rediscover his best football. Ngonge’s previous loan spells at Torino and Espanyol did not yield the desired impact, and this move represents a crucial opportunity for him to revive his career. With his pace and dribbling ability, he could prove to be a valuable asset for Monza’s attacking lineup. The club’s decision to include an option rather than an obligation suggests a cautious approach, but the potential rewards are clear.

The third exit involves Walid Cheddira, the Morocco international who has been sent out on loan multiple times during his Napoli tenure, including stints at Espanyol, Sassuolo, and Lecce. Unlike the loans of Ngonge and Folorunsho, Cheddira’s move to Avellino is a permanent one, with reports indicating a transfer fee in the region of €3.5 million. This sale generates immediate income for Napoli and clears a spot in the squad for a player who never fully integrated into the first-team picture. Avellino, a club with ambitions of climbing the Italian football pyramid, will benefit from Cheddira’s experience and eye for goal. His arrival is seen as a major coup for the Serie C side, reinforcing their promotion push.

The strategic logic behind the official Napoli release Ngonge and Folorunsho to Monza Cheddira sold to Avellino is multifaceted. For Napoli, it is about more than just reducing the size of the squad; it is about creating a leaner, more competitive group. The funds raised from Cheddira’s sale, along with the wage savings from the two loans, will be reinvested in targeted signings that align with the club’s tactical vision. This approach mirrors the January window, when Napoli were active in the market but only after offloading fringe players. The message is clear: every incoming transfer must be balanced by an outgoing one, ensuring sustainability.

For Monza, the double acquisition of Ngonge and Folorunsho is a statement of their own. Having earned promotion to Serie A, the club is determined to stay there and build a solid foundation. The addition of two players with top-flight experience, even if one is on a temporary basis, adds depth and quality to their roster. Monza’s coach will be hopeful that Ngonge can recapture the dazzling form he displayed at Verona, where he scored crucial goals and provided key assists. Folorunsho, meanwhile, offers a box-to-box presence that can help the team compete against more established opponents.

Avellino’s acquisition of Cheddira is equally significant. The club has shown ambition in the transfer market, and bringing in a player with international experience is a clear signal of their intentions. Cheddira, who has represented Morocco on the international stage, brings a wealth of knowledge and a proven scoring record. His presence in the dressing room will be invaluable for the younger players, and his goals could be the difference between a playoff spot and automatic promotion.

Napoli’s fans will undoubtedly have mixed feelings about these departures. While none of the three players were guaranteed starters, there is always a sense of loss when a homegrown talent or a promising signing leaves. However, the club’s management has been communicative about the need for change, and supporters are hopeful that the moves will pave the way for exciting arrivals. The official Napoli release Ngonge and Folorunsho to Monza Cheddira sold to Avellino is a calculated risk, but one that could pay off handsomely in the long run.

In conclusion, Napoli’s decision to offload Ngonge, Folorunsho, and Cheddira is a clear demonstration of their commitment to a sustainable transfer policy. By loaning two players to Monza and selling one to Avellino, the Partenopei have freed up resources, reduced their wage bill, and given three players a fresh start. The moves are mutually beneficial, allowing Monza to strengthen their Serie A squad, Avellino to add a proven striker, and the players themselves to get the playing time they crave. As the transfer window progresses, all eyes will be on Napoli to see how they reinvest these gains, but the early signs suggest a well-executed plan.