SCOTT MCTOMINAY received a hero’s welcome after being surrounded by Napoli fans ahead of his departure from Manchester United.
The 27-year-old Scotland international arrived in Italy around midday on Thursday to have a medical before committing to a permanent move.
The Scottish star was subsequently seen waving from his hotel balcony.
The midfielder, who has spent 22 years at United, is expected to join the Serie A club for £25.2 million before the summer transfer window closes.
Hundreds of supporters, phones in hand, gathered at Naples airport to catch a sight of their new signing.
A security entourage then led the United academy graduate into a car and drove him to his hotel before heading to the Diego Maradona Stadium.
However, before the car pulled off, a beaming McTominay turned to the crowd and exclaimed, “Forza Napoli,” much to the joy of the fans.
His greeting was nearly identical to that of Cristiano Ronaldo when he arrived at Juventus in 2018 and Lionel Messi when he arrived in Miami last July.
McTominay is likely to sign a long-term contract with Napoli on Thursday after agreeing on personal terms with the Italian club.
He will become one of the most expensive Scottish footballers of all time, with United adding a 10% sell-on clause.
Erik ten Hag wanted to keep him at the club, but they couldn’t promise him the starting position he wanted.
The Premier League’s current PSR regulations promote the selling of homegrown players for ‘pure profit’.
He has a year left on his contract at Old Trafford.
Burnley fans praise a magnificent Oasis video for confirming Hannibal’s signing from Manchester United as the ‘best transfer announcement of all time’.
The transfer of McTominay will help fund United’s own move for midfielder Manuel Ugarte, which is expected to be confirmed shortly.
Sekou Kone, 18, will also have his United medical on Thursday before moving from Mali club Guidars FC.
Napoli finished eighth in Serie A previous season, and under manager Antonio Conte, they are preparing for another change at the top of the Italian league.
Sporting director Giovanni Manna spent last week in London doing business, and they are also hoping to recruit another Scotland midfielder, Billy Gilmour, after agreeing a fee of around £12 for the Brighton man.
While Chelsea’s Romelu Lukaku received a similar welcome from McTominay earlier this week, the Belgian is expected to join for £38 million.
Transfer Deadline The day has arrived, and clubs are racing against the clock to wrap up their summer business.
Chelsea are apparently still in talks to buy Victor Osimhen from Napoli, with time running out for the Blues to complete the deal.
Meanwhile, Ivan Toney is set to join Saudi Pro League club Al-Ahli, according to rumours.
Newcastle are likely to end their long-running pursuit of Crystal Palace centre-back Marc Guehi.
In other news, Chelsea and Juventus are still discussing a deal for Manchester United winger Jadon Sancho ahead of the 11 p.m. deadline.