Lang’s Transition from Napoli to Galatasaray: A Quest for Opportunity

Lang’s tenure in Serie A has concluded unexpectedly, as the 26-year-old winger transitions from the Stadio Diego Armando Maradona to the vibrant atmosphere of Galatasaray. During an appearance on the Transfer Deadline Show, Lang expressed his frustrations regarding his swift departure from PSV, attributing the challenges he faced to Napoli’s manager, Conte.

“It speaks for itself, I think,” Lang remarked, clearly discontent with the circumstances surrounding his exit. “How am I going to say this in a normal way? It didn’t click with the trainer. Let’s leave it at that.”

As a prominent figure in Dutch football, Lang suggested that there is more to his story, hinting at the complexities of his experience with the Italian club. He indicated that while he is often scrutinized, the issues at Napoli were not solely of his making.

“I know that you in the Netherlands often think that it lies with me, but one day it will be known,” he teased. Despite the tensions with management, Lang expressed no ill will towards Napoli as an institution. “For now, I have a lot of respect for the club where I am under contract. I have a good bond with almost everyone within the club. But this political behaviour doesn’t suit me.”

Lang’s decision to leave Napoli was not made lightly. He revealed that, contrary to public perception, he was a well-liked member of the squad. The rapidity of his transfer just months after a high-profile arrival underscores the severity of the situation, although Lang insists the discord originated from the manager’s office.

“It honestly took a while,” Lang admitted regarding his acceptance of Galatasaray’s offer. “The club speaks for itself. But I am not someone who wants to leave after half a year.”

He described his situation as one where he was socially integrated yet professionally isolated from the coaching staff. “Nine out of ten people didn’t want me to leave either,” he noted. “I was good in the group, I trained well every day.”

Lang’s career has often been marked by struggles against public perception, and his experience in Naples was no different. He conveyed frustration over how his performances were assessed, feeling that the criticism he faced was disproportionate to his contributions.

“In the minutes I got, I was spoken about badly,” Lang stated. “But I didn’t agree with that at all. Within the playing style, I did well. At least, that’s what I think.”

He believes he became a scapegoat for broader issues within the team, with commentators and observers quick to blame him. In October, he publicly expressed his dissatisfaction with limited playing time after being benched in a 6-2 Champions League defeat against his former club PSV, receiving a warning from Conte not to be “selfish.”

In total, Lang made 27 appearances for the reigning Italian champions, starting only nine. As a player who thrives on emotional connection, the lack of engagement from Conte ultimately compelled him to seek a new challenge. The impending 2026 World Cup also weighed heavily on his decision.

With the tournament in North America approaching this summer, Lang recognized the necessity of playing time to secure his spot on the national team. “You have to be treated honestly, and I didn’t have that feeling at all,” he explained.

“At first, I wanted to fight and thought I would stay. But there is a World Cup coming up in the summer. So this choice was mainly aimed at that.”

By moving to Istanbul, Lang aims to rediscover his form and solidify his position within the Netherlands squad.