José María Callejón is on the brink of signing for Napoli. After several days of negotiations, Real Madrid have reached an agreement for the transfer of the 26-year-old midfielder who will be sold for a fee close to 10 million euros. The operation means that Madrid have made a small profit on the player who they bought back from Espanyol in 2011 for 5.5 million euros.

Callejón’s market value has increased because he made the most of the minutes he was handed by Mourinho – particularly during his first season. During 1,386 minutes on-field, he scored 13 goals while in his second season, he netted seven times during 2,017 minutes of action.

Callejón currently earns 2.1 million euros per annum with Madrid but his annual salary will be boosted to 3.5 million at Napoli. It was Rafa Benítez who requested Callejón’s signing (both share the same representative) and the player is the latest Spanish player to move to Serie A, following in the footsteps of Borja Valero, Joaquín and Marcos Alonso (Fiorentina), Llorente (Juventus) and Pedro Obiang (Sampdoria).

http://as.com/diarioas/2013/07/07/english/1373204997_557082.html

Sometimes Im not sure I understand Madrid's transfer strategy. You know, sometimes it's important to have decent/reliable squad players. He may not be "World Class" or anything but he's been useful and I think has done well overall. What is €10m to Real? Surely, there are other players more important to ship out...

@Footaholic

Yes, such as Kaka. But I'm disappointed in the lack of support and playing time Callejon has received. He rarely gets passes, with Ronaldo, Ozil, and Alonso being the only ones who pass to him frequently, and he doesn't get much playing time. I think it's best for the guy if he moves onto a team that will give him a lot of minutes and where he will be happy. :)

I am saying this out of pure ignorance, but perhaps Napoli are doing, in case (or pretty much imminently) Cavani leaves. Good deal if you ask me, cos Callejon's a great strker

@Heis

Not just that, but he's versatile as well. He's been used on the wings in Madrid. :D

Would fit perfectly into Napoli's 3-4-3 system. :)

@Dynastian: I'm no sure Benitez is going to carry on with 3 at the back. He MAY, as he is very adjustable tactically, but I do not believe it is his favorite system. I also agree that if he can keep him motivated, Callejon will be a good signing for Napoli.

Callejon 90 pace on FIFA :)