Poor Gigio Donnarumma! It shouldn’t have ended like this. Not in this way. All cycles must come to an end, of course, but what makes the difference is how.

It’s gone from the famous bottle of champagne that was handed out to celebrate Donnarumma’s masterful performance which brought a Champions League trophy to Paris Saint-Germain’s cabinet, to a game of passing the buck.

There must be something bigger going on, rather than just a failed agreement over a renewal of the player’s contract, which expires in June. Especially given that we’re talking about one of the richest and most powerful clubs in the world.

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Milan and Jashari

Certain news stories like this always pop up during the transfer window; suddenly and quietly. And the longer the negotiations drag on, the more the denial, criticism and calls of ‘an impossible operation’ increase. One has to stand firm until that impossible operation is closed with the player’s signature.

We’re talking, of course, about Jashari. The negotiations lasted as long as the entire window. At his age, most others would have given up but instead, he held out. He didn’t show up to train, he skipped the photos and selfies with the fans and said that he wouldn’t play for Club Brugge again. It was only Milan on his mind.

Speaking after his arrival in Milan, he said “I’m very happy.” He fully knows what the long days he endured before his long-awaited arrival were like. And then, finally, it was official.

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Some go all-out in the transfer market without worrying about expenses, and those who, on the contrary, pay attention to every possible saving. Some overspend on a player, going beyond his valuation, while others, confident in their strategy, let time slip by before starting to pay, or saving, just a few pennies. Different approaches, each with their own risks. But isn't this exactly how we evaluate a club's strategy and the skill of those who manage the transfers?

Let's take two cases: Ndoye and Vlahovic…

How Nottingham Forest beat Napoli to Dan Ndoye

Honestly, I appreciated that Napoli didn't break the bank for Dan Ndoye. Let's recognise that the forward is a good player, potentially a great one, but he's not worth €40m/42m, reaching €45m with add-ons and a sell-on clause that could push the transfer package close to €50m.

Nottingham Forest, like many English clubs, have no problem tossing in millions like they're peanuts. Good for Bologna, credit to everyone involved in their transfer dealings because they know how to sell gold as if it were platinum and they set the terms without budging an inch. They've done with Zirkzee and Calafiori, as well as with Beukema, and they continue to highlight the 'positive balance sheet' line, a trademark that deserves credit.

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Victor Osimhen is a great striker and the kind of guy who counts a thousand times before making a decision. Not just to a hundred He’s a mature footballer with a good head on his shoulders, someone who knows that certain choices can change your life and career. He knows that some opportunities only come once, even if the destination may seem unusual to those who thought that only moving to the Premier League or Saudi Pro League would offer him long-term stability.

Regardless of what his future holds, Napoli want to collect the full €75m of his release clause. De Laurentiis usually doesn’t misses these chances. When it’s time to cash in, he stands firm, doesn’t give discounts and pulls the rope until it gets exactly where he wants. It’s an unwritten rule, but one respected by anyone who negotiates with him. A clear and final message to Galatasaray. If you want Victor, pay the clause and stop worrying.

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Napoli prioritising winger signings

The transfer market is heating up, but Napoli have already been at full throttle for a while now. And that's an advantage, with their first priority being two attacking wingers.

Dan Ndoye is a top target, but the pursuit of Noa Lang is progressing truly well. Napoli have made the interest in the PSG attacker official, as reported on Sunday, and received complete approval from the player. PSV's asking price is €30m with a fixed fee of at least €25m. Napoli have offered €25m plus a couple of million in add-ons. It should not be tough to reach an agreement.

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Gattuso facing big challenge as Italy manager

It's Rino Gattuso's day as he is officially unveiled at a press conference as the new head coach of the Italy national team, which is looking to turn a new page. Gattuso needs to remain true to himself, staying true to his 'Ringhio' nickname without compromising who he is.

That alone would already be a good starting point for a squad that had lost its drive under Luciano Spalletti. That's why it would be great to restore a sense of belonging in players who have lost their way. Those who, on average and with the due exceptions, made Italy miss the World Cup twice in a row. Italy must start anew without shame and overcome the issues that have remained unresolved for years.

We agree with Minister Abodi, who stated: 'Rino Gattuso is a person with a big heart, he has shown technical expertise and does so with a passion I've long recognised. I fully support him, the Azzurri shirt and those who have the honour of wearing it.

Napoli eyeing winger and defender transfers

Meanwhile, we continue to monitor the transfer market, keeping a close eye on the moves of various teams.

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