Napoli’s Summer of Transfers Takes a Dramatic Turn: Gutierrez to Bayer Leverkusen, Lindstrom to Schalke Collapses

FolioPitch.com – 03 August 2026 | Napoli send Gutierrez to Bayer Leverkusen for €30m but Lindstrom to Schalke collapses. The Partenopei are under transfer limitations this summer, meaning they must sell players before they can be allowed to bring in any reinforcements. The sale of Miguel Gutierrez to Bayer Leverkusen has been completed, with the 25-year-old left-back traveling to Germany for a medical. The cost of the sale is expected to be €30m, including add-ons, a healthy profit considering Napoli paid €18m plus bonus to get him from Girona only a year ago. Gutierrez made just 36 competitive appearances for the club last season, starting just 18 of them.

However, the transfer of Jesper Lindstrom to Schalke 04 has sensationally collapsed at the last minute. The Denmark international was already in Germany for the medical tests, agreeing personal terms. It was meant to be a free loan with an option to buy for €5m plus add-ons, turning it into an obligation if certain conditions were met. But Schalke felt upset at certain changes between the verbal agreement and the written contract, suddenly pulling out of the whole deal and Lindstrom should fly back to Italy.

Lindstrom was a disastrous signing for Napoli, arriving from Eintracht Frankfurt for €30m in 2023 but failing to make an impact. He was immediately sent on loan to Everton and Wolfsburg. Napoli are under pressure to sell players before they can bring in reinforcements, and the collapse of the Lindstrom deal has dealt a significant blow to their transfer plans.

The Partenopei are facing a tough season ahead, with the loss of key players and the collapse of the Lindstrom deal. They must now focus on rebuilding their squad and finding ways to stay competitive in the league.