Football Presse

Napoli, Bayern and Man United target Suzuki as Parma brace for bidding war

·By Paul Lindisfarne
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Zion Suzuki has emerged as one of the most sought-after goalkeepers in European football following a breakthrough season at Parma, with Napoli, Bayern Munich, Manchester United and Galatasaray all understood to be monitoring the Japan international.

La Gazzetta dello Sport reported that Napoli are the most concrete Italian suitor. The Neapolitan club are planning for life after Antonio Conte's departure and need a long-term goalkeeper to complement or succeed Alex Meret, who is 29.

Manchester United and Bayern Munich's continued interest underlines the scale of attention Suzuki has attracted after playing a central role in Parma's comfortable Serie A survival.

Suzuki, 23, joined Parma from Belgian club Sint-Truiden in August 2024 for around £6 million. He kept five clean sheets in 20 league appearances this season, despite missing a period with injury, and has established himself as one of the division's better shot-stoppers in only his first campaign in Italian football.

Parma are well aware of the interest and have no intention of selling cheaply. Club owner Kyle Krause has indicated the club's valuation reflects Suzuki's market standing. Reports have suggested a figure of between €20 million and €25 million as an opening position, though United were previously reported to have considered bids closer to €45 million.

Suzuki did not start Parma's final Serie A fixture against Sassuolo, a decision that generated immediate speculation given the context of a potentially significant summer ahead.

No formal negotiations are underway and no decision has been made by the player, who is contracted until June 2029. He is in Japan's squad for the 2026 World Cup.