Major transfer in the making: Beukema on his way to Napoli

As previously reported by Voetbal International, Antonio Conte views Sam Beukema as a central figure in his plans to rebuild and reinforce Napoli’s defensive line ahead of the 2025–26 season.

The newly appointed head coach, known for his emphasis on tactical discipline and defensive solidity, has personally endorsed the signing of the Dutch center-back, who impressed during his time at Bologna. A five-year contract is already in place for Beukema, and sources close to the negotiation believe the official announcement is just a matter of days or even hours away. With only a few administrative details and the medical examination remaining, the deal is considered a near certainty.

Napoli is expected to pay a total package of around €30 million, including bonuses and performance-related add-ons. For the Partenopei, this represents another bold statement of intent in the transfer market, following what was a frustrating and turbulent campaign last season, one in which they failed to replicate their title-winning form and struggled defensively after the departure of Kim Min-jae. Conte, tasked with restoring Napoli’s competitive edge in Serie A and Europe, has prioritized reinforcing the back line, and Beukema is seen as an ideal profile: strong in the air, intelligent in positioning, and a vocal leader traits that have stood out in his development in Italy.

The 25-year-old Beukema made rapid progress at Bologna after arriving from AZ Alkmaar in the summer of 2023. Under Thiago Motta, he quickly earned a starting spot and became one of the most consistent performers in Serie A last season. His composure on the ball, ability to play out from the back, and knack for reading the game caught the attention of several top clubs, but it was Napoli who moved fastest and most decisively. His performances didn’t go unnoticed by the Dutch national team setup either, and he’s now considered a serious candidate for a regular role in Oranje’s defensive ranks.

AZ Alkmaar, Beukema’s former club, will also benefit from the deal. As part of his transfer to Bologna, the Dutch club negotiated a sell-on clause worth between 10% and 15% of any future transfer fee. That means AZ could receive between €3 million and €4.5 million depending on the final terms of the deal a significant windfall for a club known for its strong scouting and development model. It’s a testament to their ability to nurture talent and make smart business moves in the market.

With this transfer, Beukema is set to become the third most expensive outgoing transfer in Bologna’s history. Only Riccardo Calafiori, who recently made a big-money move to Arsenal for €45 million, and fellow Dutchman Joshua Zirkzee, who joined Manchester United for €42.5 million, have commanded higher fees. Bologna, who qualified for the Champions League under Motta, are now seeing the financial benefits of their successful 2024–25 season, even as they prepare for a new era under Vincenzo Italiano following Motta’s departure to Juventus.

Beukema’s arrival in Naples will signal the beginning of Conte’s squad overhaul. Known for building his teams from the back, Conte is reportedly eager to secure two central defenders, a defensive midfielder, and a right wing-back before pre-season begins. With Beukema’s signing all but sealed, Napoli will now shift focus to completing the long-anticipated acquisition of Noa Lang from PSV Eindhoven. Lang, a flamboyant and technically gifted winger, is expected to add flair and unpredictability to Napoli’s attack a move that aligns with Conte’s desire to blend structure with creative individualism.

The Dutch connection at Napoli is also strengthening, with Beukema joining an increasingly Oranje-flavored project that could soon include Lang. This growing Dutch influence is not coincidental. Sporting director Mauro Meluso and president Aurelio De Laurentiis have been keeping a close eye on the Eredivisie and the Netherlands’ national team pool, identifying players who combine technical quality with strong tactical foundations exactly the kind of attributes Conte values in his system.

Beukema’s signing will also have implications for Napoli’s existing defenders. Players like Amir Rrahmani and Leo Østigård may face increased competition for minutes, while it remains to be seen whether Juan Jesus or Natan will stay at the club. Conte is expected to experiment with a three-man defense during pre-season, and Beukema is seen as someone who could play on the right or centrally in such a system.

From a broader perspective, this transfer marks another significant step in Beukema’s upward trajectory. From playing in the Dutch lower leagues with Go Ahead Eagles just a few years ago, to establishing himself as one of Serie A’s most reliable defenders, and now moving to a club with Champions League ambitions the rise has been rapid and impressive. His adaptability, leadership, and calm demeanor under pressure make him a natural fit for the demanding environment of a club like Napoli.

As the final steps of the transfer are completed, fans in Naples are already looking forward to seeing their new defensive leader in action. With the combination of Conte’s coaching, Beukema’s steady presence at the back, and potential attacking reinforcements like Noa Lang, Napoli appears to be laying the foundations for a serious comeback after a disappointing title defense.