Revealed: Why Paolo Cannavaro Came Close to Joining Manchester City After Napoli Exit
Former Italy and Napoli defender Paolo Cannavaro has opened up on how he was close to signing for Manchester City following a breakdown in his relationship with former Napoli manager Rafael Benitez.
The experienced centre-back spent the majority of his career in Italy, enjoying two separate spells at Napoli either side of a lengthy stay at Parma. While his career never reached the global heights of his brother Fabio, Cannavaro carved out a respected reputation in Serie A, winning major domestic honours and becoming a trusted figure in defence.
Despite his strong bond with Napoli supporters, Cannavaro’s time at the club came to an abrupt end in 2014. A change in direction under Rafael Benitez led to tensions behind the scenes, with the Italian defender finding himself outside the manager’s long-term plans during a period of squad restructuring.
Reflecting on that period, Cannavaro explained that he felt there was little room to convince Benitez otherwise. While he remained committed to Napoli, the lack of opportunities forced him to consider alternative options, including a potential move abroad.
One of those options was a switch to Manchester City. Cannavaro confirmed that he was open to joining the Premier League side, especially after realising his future in Naples was no longer secure. However, negotiations ultimately collapsed after Napoli demanded a fee City were unwilling to meet.
Instead, Cannavaro moved to Sassuolo on loan before completing a permanent transfer later that year, bringing an end to his long association with Napoli. In hindsight, the defender believes circumstances rather than desire prevented the move to England from materialising.
At the time, Manchester City were already building one of the strongest defensive units in the Premier League, with established figures such as Vincent Kompany, Pablo Zabaleta and Gaël Clichy forming the backbone of a title-challenging side. Cannavaro’s arrival would have added further experience to an already formidable back line.
Although the transfer never happened, the revelation highlights how close City came to adding another seasoned international defender during a crucial phase of their rise as a dominant force in English football.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Did Paolo Cannavaro almost join Manchester City?
Yes. Cannavaro confirmed he was open to joining Manchester City in 2014 after falling out with Rafael Benitez at Napoli.
Why did the transfer not happen?
The move collapsed because Napoli reportedly demanded a transfer fee that Manchester City were unwilling to pay.
Who was managing Manchester City at the time?
Manchester City were managed by Manuel Pellegrini during the period Cannavaro was linked with the club.
Where did Cannavaro move instead?
He joined Sassuolo on loan in January 2014 before completing a permanent move later that year.
Conclusion
Paolo Cannavaro’s near-move to Manchester City is a reminder of how fine the margins can be in football transfers. A combination of managerial disagreements and financial demands prevented what could have been an intriguing Premier League chapter for the Italian defender. While Cannavaro remained in Serie A, City continued their evolution toward domestic dominance, proving that timing and circumstance often shape football history as much as talent itself.
