Stijn Francis reflected on his client Dries Mertens’ uncertain summer, the talks with Juventus and the decision to join Galatasaray.
The 35-year-old Belgian winger ended a nine-year spell with Napoli in the summer after his contract expired, forcing him to find a new home elsewhere. Mertens was a fan favourite in the Campania capital and scored 148 goals in 397 appearances for the club, becoming their all time top scorer.
Speaking on the ‘Mid mid’ podcast, Francis first explained why Mertens decided to join Galatasaray on a free transfer.
“The move to Galatasaray was a long process. They’re one of the best clubs to go to if another top club of the level of Juventus doesn’t come along.”
He then reflected on Mertens’ departure from Napoli and how long he waited to try and agree a new contract.
“We realised too late that the Napoli story was ending. There was a naive belief that we could stay, not least because we never lobbied against it.
“In May-June it was all to be decided, but the renewal didn’t materialise. We didn’t ask for much.”
Finally, Francis commented on the serious talks with Juventus, who reportedly offered him a deal worth around €5m net per season.
“If you compare it to Juventus’ offer, what we asked Napoli for is very little. There was no negotiation, it was a take it or leave it.
“With Juventus there was a concrete and interesting conversation, for us and for Dries. But he knew in his heart that he couldn’t do it.”
Mertens became such a beloved figure in the Campania capital that he was given the affectionate nickname ‘Ciro’. He famously owns a villa on the coast of the city and regularly spent time in the city centre, often interacting with supporters.