Scott McTominay was met with an enthusiastic reception from Napoli supporters as he touched down in Italy ahead of his move from Manchester United. The 27-year-old Scotland international arrived in Naples around midday on Thursday, set for a medical examination before finalizing his transfer. After 22 years at United, McTominay is set to join the Serie A club for a fee of £25.2 million before the summer transfer window closes.

At Naples Airport, hundreds of eager fans, phones in hand, gathered to catch a glimpse of their newest acquisition. McTominay, a lifelong United player, was quickly whisked into a vehicle by a security detail, heading to his hotel before making his way to the Diego Maradona Stadium.

As the car prepared to leave, McTominay turned to the crowd, flashing a broad smile and shouting “Forza Napoli,” a gesture that delighted the assembled fans. His reception was reminiscent of the grand welcomes given to Cristiano Ronaldo at Juventus in 2018 and Lionel Messi upon his arrival in Miami last July.

McTominay is expected to finalize a long-term deal with Napoli later on Thursday after agreeing to personal terms with the Italian side. The transfer will make him one of the priciest Scottish footballers in history, with United also securing a 10 percent sell-on clause.

Despite Erik ten Hag’s desire to keep him, United couldn’t promise McTominay a guaranteed starting position. The Premier League’s current rules also favor the sale of homegrown talent by rewarding the ‘pure profit’ from their transfer.

With just one year left on his contract at Old Trafford, the sale of McTominay is poised to help fund United’s pursuit of Manuel Ugarte, whose transfer is expected to be confirmed soon. Additionally, 18-year-old Sekou Kone is undergoing a medical with United on Thursday ahead of his move from Mali’s Guidars FC.

Napoli, who finished tenth in Serie A last season, are under the stewardship of Antonio Conte and are looking to make significant strides up the league table. Sporting director Giovanni Manna, who was in London last week for transfer negotiations, is also hopeful of securing another Scottish midfielder, Billy Gilmour, from Brighton for approximately £12 million.

In a parallel to McTominay’s warm reception, Chelsea’s Romelu Lukaku received a similarly enthusiastic welcome earlier this week as he prepared to complete his £38 million move.