The Black and Greens have won the race to one of the two players of Nigerian descent owned by Napoli

Nigerian-Italian midfielder Michael Folorunsho has joined Pordenone on a year-long loan ahead of the 2021/22 season. The Black and Greens confirmed the temporary capture of the 23-year-old on Tuesday.

Folorunsho had been involved in preseason training with Napoli under the watchful eyes of manager Luciano Spalletti, hoping to impress the former AS Roma gaffer.

While Spalletti is a big fan of Folorunsho, the Napoli boss has decided a year away from Naples to where he is assured of regular playing time, would benefit the youngster.

Folorunsho would have preferred a return to Reggina, where he was excellent in the Serie B last term, but Napoli have decided otherwise to the dismay of Gil Amaranto.

Reggina wanted the Rome-born midfielder back again this term to help in their Serie A promotion push. Folorunsho scored the winning goal for Reggina just past the hour-mark in their 1-0 defeat of Pordenone in a Serie B clash at the Oreste Granillo in February.

But it is Pordenone who have won the race to the 23-year-old’s signature ahead of next season. 

Benevento were reportedly also among the clubs interested in taking up Folorunsho’s loan option before Pordenone got their man.