​Lorenzo Insigne has returned to Italy and is poised to sign with Sampdoria, the Serie B club, on a one-year deal with the possibility of an extension. The 35-year-old former Napoli and Italy star was filmed arriving at Milan’s airport late on Tuesday evening, and his medical tests with Sampdoria in Genoa were reportedly scheduled for Wednesday. Insigne became a free agent after a brief stint with Pescara during the second half of the 2025-26 season, leaving many fans and pundits curious about his next move.
Insigne’s potential move to Sampdoria marks a high-profile addition for the club as they bid to push for promotion back to Serie A. The deal, as reported on Wednesday, is expected to be a one-year contract with a salary of around €500,000. This arrangement reflects Sampdoria’s strategy to bring in experienced talent who can contribute immediately while allowing flexibility for both the player and the club in the future. The agreement also includes an option to extend the contract under specific conditions linked to performance and team achievements.
Key terms of the proposed deal indicate that Insigne would have the opportunity to remain with Sampdoria beyond the initial year if he meets certain criteria. Specifically, the extension would come into play if he features in at least 50% of Sampdoria’s matches during the 2026-27 season. Additionally, an extension could be triggered if Sampdoria secures promotion to Serie A by the end of the season, aligning Insigne’s personal incentives with the club’s ambitious goal of returning to the top flight.
This anticipated signing brings together Insigne’s wealth of experience at the highest levels of European football with Sampdoria’s aspirations to regroup and compete in Serie B. Having spent the majority of his illustrious career with Napoli, where he established himself as one of the club’s most iconic players, Insigne has also earned a prominent place in Italian football history for his contributions to the national team. His presence in Sampdoria’s squad is expected to bring leadership, creativity, and a proven track record of success in domestic competitions, which could prove invaluable for a team striving to climb back to Serie A.
Sampdoria’s approach to recruiting a player of Insigne’s stature signals their intent to blend youthful energy with veteran know-how. A one-year contract with an option to extend provides the club with flexibility to assess fit, form, and impact throughout the season while maintaining a clear path to potential promotion. For Insigne, the move offers an opportunity to demonstrate his enduring quality in a competitive environment, continuing a long and storied career while contributing to a club with a proud history in Italian football.
Fans and analysts will be watching closely as official announcements materialize and as Insigne undergoes his medical examination in Genoa. If the transfer goes through as anticipated, Insigne could be set to don Sampdoria colors soon, bringing with him a wealth of experience, leadership, and the potential to influence the club’s performance across the 2026-27 campaign. The deal would position Sampdoria as a formidable challenger in Serie B, leveraging Insigne’s pedigree to bolster their campaign for promotion and to energize the squad, staff, and supporters ahead of what promises to be a pivotal season for the club.