After becoming not completely satisfied with life off the pitch at Napoli, former Manchester United midfielder Scott McTominay is now eyeing a return to the Premier League
Scott McTominay’s Italian adventure may be nearing its end sooner than expected. Just months after sealing his move to Serie A giants Napoli, reports suggest the former Manchester United midfielder is growing increasingly unsettled with life off the pitch and is now exploring a potential return to the Premier League. According to The Sun, the Scotland international, who joined Napoli in a deal worth around £25 million last summer, is already missing the familiarity and rhythm of English football and could seek an exit in the upcoming transfer window.
For McTominay, the switch to Naples was meant to represent a fresh start — a chance to step out of the shadow of Old Trafford and re-establish himself as a key figure at a European club. The move was hailed as a brave choice at the time, especially given that few British players have successfully adapted to Serie A’s unique tactical demands and cultural environment. Yet, while McTominay’s commitment on the field has never been in question, reports from Italy suggest the off-pitch adjustment has been far more challenging than expected.
Sources close to the player say that McTominay has struggled with the language barrier, the slower pace of life, and a sense of isolation in a country where football culture and lifestyle differ sharply from the intense media-driven environment of England. For a player who spent his entire career within Manchester United’s ecosystem — from the academy to the senior team — adapting to a new league, city, and culture has not come naturally. Friends and family have reportedly noticed his growing frustration, particularly with the difficulty of settling in socially.
On the pitch, McTominay has had mixed fortunes. He arrived under the management of Antonio Conte, who saw him as a hard-working, box-to-box midfielder capable of adding energy and physicality to Napoli’s midfield. In his early appearances, McTominay showed flashes of his trademark drive and goal-scoring instinct from deep positions, but consistency has been elusive. Italian fans have praised his work rate but have also questioned his technical fit in a system that prioritizes precision passing and positional discipline over sheer intensity.
As Napoli endured a turbulent domestic campaign — with managerial changes, inconsistent form, and off-field distractions — McTominay’s role became less defined. He was neither a guaranteed starter nor a bench option entirely out of favor. This kind of limbo has only deepened his uncertainty about the move. According to The Sun, the Scot feels he has unfinished business in England and would be open to returning if the right club comes calling.
The Premier League’s relentless pace and physical style have always suited McTominay’s game. His best performances at Manchester United came in matches that required intensity, drive, and resilience — qualities that sometimes go underappreciated in more tactical leagues like Serie A. With his reputation as a hardworking, disciplined midfielder who can chip in with goals, it’s easy to see why several English clubs might view him as an attractive option.
Everton, Fulham, and even West Ham have previously been linked with McTominay before his Napoli move, and it wouldn’t be surprising to see their names resurface. West Ham, in particular, could make sense as a destination given their need for Premier League experience and leadership in midfield following Declan Rice’s departure. Fulham, too, could offer him regular playing time under Marco Silva, while Everton’s pragmatic approach under Sean Dyche could fit McTominay’s style perfectly.
At 28, McTominay still has his prime years ahead of him. He remains an established international for Scotland and will likely play a crucial role in their Euro 2028 qualification campaign. That international responsibility could also be influencing his desire to return home. Playing regularly in the Premier League, under conditions he knows well, might help him maintain sharpness and confidence ahead of international duties.
Another factor could be personal comfort. McTominay, by all accounts, is a grounded individual with a strong attachment to family and familiar surroundings. Life in Italy — while glamorous for some — can be isolating for players who thrive on routine and familiarity. Reports suggest that his partner has also struggled to adapt fully to life in Naples, which could further motivate his desire for a move back to the UK.
From Manchester United’s perspective, McTominay’s departure last summer was bittersweet. While Erik ten Hag valued his attitude and professionalism, the club was ready to cash in on a player whose role had diminished amid new arrivals. United inserted a sell-on clause in his contract, meaning they could benefit financially if he’s sold again soon — a scenario that might now be on the horizon.
For Napoli, losing McTominay would be a setback, but not an insurmountable one. The club has already begun reshaping its squad under sporting director Mauro Meluso, with a focus on younger, more technically polished midfielders. If McTominay does depart, Napoli could reinvest in players who better suit the Italian tactical mold.
Still, there’s a sense of disappointment around how quickly things have turned. When he arrived, McTominay spoke passionately about embracing a new culture and testing himself in one of Europe’s most tactical leagues. Yet football often reminds us that adaptation is about more than talent; it’s about comfort, belonging, and personal rhythm. For McTominay, those intangible elements seem to have gone missing in Italy.
If a Premier League return does materialize, McTominay would not be the first British player to find life abroad difficult. The list of players who have struggled to settle in foreign leagues — from Jadon Sancho at Dortmund (on his return spell) to Ashley Young at Inter before his comeback — is long. The English game, with its intensity and cultural familiarity, often pulls players back like gravity.
Ultimately, McTominay’s situation reflects the emotional side of modern football. Success is not just about adapting tactically or performing statistically; it’s about finding the right environment to thrive personally. And for McTominay, that environment has always been England.
As the January window approaches, speculation will intensify about where he might land next. A loan move could be the most likely scenario — allowing him to return home, regain confidence, and reassess his long-term options. Whether it’s a mid-table club seeking leadership or a top-six side in need of depth, there’s no doubt that McTominay’s experience and attitude will attract suitors.
For now, the story of Scott McTominay in Naples remains one of unfulfilled promise — a brave step that didn’t quite deliver the sense of belonging he sought. But as he eyes a Premier League return, one thing is clear: the fire still burns, and he’s determined to find a place where passion, comfort, and purpose align once again.
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