A NEW DEFENDER FOR CONTE
Napoli’s transfer window continues at full speed, and this time it’s the defence being reinforced with one of Bologna’s key players: Sam Beukema. The Dutchman joins Antonio Conte’s side, further confirming the club’s intent to raise the team’s overall quality. It’s a move that is not particularly surprising, considering that the Champions of Italy, with Europe’s best defensive record last season having conceded just 27 goals, are approaching the new campaign with clear ambition. The path Napoli are taking with their transfer strategy is marked; after welcoming Belgian star Kevin De Bruyne, the club have now added two Dutch pieces to their chessboard.
FROM THE EAGLES TO VESUVIUS: THE RISE OF SAM BEUKEMA
Born in Deventer, Beukema began his footballing journey in the youth ranks with hometown club Go Ahead Eagles. He made his debut in the Eerste Divisie with the Dutch side, gaining valuable experience over four seasons and standing out in his final year with nine goals across 40 appearances, impressive numbers for a centre-back. In 2021, AZ Alkmaar came calling, giving Beukema his break in the Eredivisie and on the European stage. During his two seasons with the team, he made 50 league appearances and scored four goals, while gaining valuable international experience, playing a key role in the team’s run to the 2023 UEFA Conference League semi-finals, where they were knocked out by West Ham. His move to Serie A came in July of the same year, when Bologna brought him in to play a key role at the heart of their defence, initially under Thiago Motta, then Vincenzo Italiano. At the Dall’Ara, Beukema quickly established himself as a pillar of the team with his reliability, tactical intelligence, and commitment, making him one of the most celebrated figures amongst Rossoblù fans. However, he was less prolific in front of goal than during his time in the Netherlands, he scored twice in his first season in Italy, before ending his second campaign without any goals but with consistently solid defensive performances.
WHAT CAN BEUKEMA BRING TO NAPOLI: RELIABILITY AND PLAYING OUT FROM THE BACK
The 1998-born Sam Beukema has continually demonstrated his reliability as a right-sided centre back in a four-man defence, the formation most used by Antonio Conte last season. With an imposing physique, dominant in the air, and strong in one-on-one situations, what truly makes him stand out for the coach from Lecce is his ability to play out from the back. Beukema ranks as the second-best player in Serie A for progressive carries, an impressive stat that captures his style perfectly, not just a stopper, but a proactive presence who contributes to building attacks and advancing play with a clear vision. At Bologna, he often took the initiative when facing high pressing opponents, probing for openings with direct balls to midfield runners. It’s a quality that could prove invaluable for a Napoli side aiming for high-quality possession and quick, incisive ball circulation.
BEUKEMA WITH A SPOT TO FIGHT FOR
The battle for a starting spot won’t be easy. Rrahmani and Buongiorno are proven, high-performing players, yet that very competition within the defence unit could further spur the Dutchman’s development. Beukema will now have the chance to test himself in the Champions League and compete for new trophies, an ideal stage to make the definitive leap in quality and, perhaps, catch the eye of the Netherlands head coach, for whom he has yet to make his debut. Sam Beukema becomes the third Dutch player in Napoli’s history, following Jonathan De Guzmán’s brief spell in 2016, and Ruud Krol, to whom the club is deeply tied. The Ajax legend accepted Chairman Ferlaino’s offer in 1980 and spent four unforgettable seasons at the base of Mount Vesuvius. (Photo Getty Images)