Sam Beukema has secured his top transfer. The 26-year-old central defender is moving to Napoli. The Italian champions have reached an agreement with Bologna for a transfer fee of around thirty million euros. Only the final details still need to be settled.
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On Sunday, Napoli and Bologna reached a full agreement for the transfer of Dutch centre-back Sam Beukema, as reported by Voetbal International.
The deal between the two Italian clubs is believed to be worth around thirty million euros, excluding potential performance-related bonuses that could further increase the total amount. With the clubs now in agreement, only the final details of the paperwork remain to be completed before the transfer can be officially announced. Beukema himself had already settled personal terms with Napoli some time ago, meaning that there are no further hurdles on the player’s side. The official confirmation of the move is expected to arrive within the next few hours or days.
This transfer represents a major step in the career of Sam Beukema, who has steadily climbed the ranks of professional football in recent years. Born in Deventer, the Netherlands, Beukema began his professional journey with Go Ahead Eagles, where he established himself as a reliable and commanding presence in central defence. His performances were instrumental in helping the club secure promotion to the Eredivisie, the highest division of Dutch football. This achievement significantly raised his profile within the Netherlands and abroad.
Beukema's progress caught the attention of AZ Alkmaar, one of the prominent clubs in the Eredivisie, who secured his signature as part of their strategy to invest in young and promising talent. His time at AZ allowed him to develop further, showcasing not only his defensive solidity but also his ability to contribute in the build-up play a quality highly valued in modern football. These traits did not go unnoticed, and in the summer of 2023, Bologna swooped in to sign him for just under eight million euros. The transfer to Serie A marked Beukema’s first experience abroad and a significant leap in the competitiveness of the leagues he had played in.
At Bologna, Beukema adapted quickly to Italian football, renowned for its tactical demands, especially on defenders. Over the course of his spell with the club, he made a total of eighty appearances and found the back of the net on two occasions. His robust performances and consistency at the back played a crucial role in Bologna's historic season, which saw them qualify for the UEFA Champions League and clinch the Coppa Italia, the prestigious Italian domestic cup competition. These successes brought Bologna back into the spotlight of European football and elevated the status of several of their key players, including Beukema.
Napoli's interest in Beukema aligns with their ongoing strategy to reinforce their squad with proven talents from Serie A. Having won the Scudetto in the 2022-2023 season, Napoli are eager to maintain their competitiveness both in Italy and in Europe, particularly in the Champions League. The signing of Beukema is seen as a crucial step to strengthening their defensive options, especially after some uncertainty around the future of other centre-backs within the squad.
For Beukema, the move to Napoli represents not only a sporting challenge but also a significant milestone in his personal career. He will have the opportunity to play in one of Italy’s most passionate football environments, at the legendary Stadio Diego Armando Maradona, and under the pressure and expectations that come with playing for one of the country’s biggest clubs. Moreover, regular appearances in the Champions League could further raise his profile on the international stage and perhaps open the door to a more consistent role in the Dutch national team setup.
In summary, this transfer marks the culmination of a well-paced and impressive rise for Sam Beukema, from the Dutch second division to one of the top clubs in Italy. His journey underscores the importance of development, adaptability, and seizing opportunities traits that have defined his career thus far. As Napoli prepares to unveil their new signing, fans will be eager to see how Beukema can contribute to the club’s ambitions domestically and in Europe.
Updated: 04:45, 13 Jul 2025
