The Scotland international, 29, has rebuilt his reputation in Italy since leaving Manchester United in 2024, becoming a key figure in Napoli’s Serie A title-winning campaign and earning the league’s MVP award for 2024/25.
According to reports in Italy, negotiations over a new deal have stalled. McTominay’s current contract runs until June 2028, but while his representatives want the situation resolved, Napoli president Aurelio De Laurentiis is said not to regard a renewal as an immediate priority.
Il Mattino, through journalist Fabio Tarantino, has reported that the failure to reach an agreement could accelerate the possibility of a departure. Real Madrid are among the clubs linked with the midfielder, with enquiries reportedly made to his representatives.
Reports in England have also claimed that Madrid have contacted those representing McTominay, although no transfer agreement has been announced. Premier League clubs are also said to be monitoring the situation.
A potential move would reunite McTominay with José Mourinho, who gave him his Manchester United first-team debut in 2017. The Portuguese coach has continued to refer to the midfielder affectionately as “my boy”.
McTominay has previously been asked whether he would consider joining Real Madrid if Mourinho called him. His answer left the possibility open.
“If that happened, I would think about it,” he said.
The midfielder’s performances at Napoli have attracted considerable admiration. He scored 14 goals and supplied four assists in 44 appearances during the 2024/25 campaign, helping the club win the league title.
Former Inter defender Marco Materazzi has described Manchester United’s decision to sell McTominay as “the biggest mistake in the history of the transfer market”. Diego Armando Maradona Jr. has also offered an extravagant tribute, comparing the midfielder to Jesus in the context of Napoli’s devotion to his late father.
McTominay’s immediate future has also been affected by a benign heart arrhythmia, for which he underwent a successful procedure in September. Napoli have since confirmed that he has been medically cleared to return, and he has resumed full training.
His fitness is therefore no longer the only issue surrounding his future. The unresolved contract discussions and reported interest from Madrid could make the coming months significant, although any January departure remains speculative.
For now, McTominay remains under contract with Napoli until 2028, and the club’s stance will be central to any potential move.