Inside United’s McTominay deal: What they really agreed

November 20, 2025 Oliver Obel

Manchester United agreed to sell McTominay to Napoli in the summer of 2024 for a fee in the region of £26–27 million. Several outlets, including Football Today, OneFootball, and Transfermarkt, reported that United retained a 10% sell-on clause as part of the deal . Sportbible also described the clause as being around the 10% mark and noted the growing speculation about its potential future value if McTominay’s market price continues to climb .

However, in his Wednesday newsletter, Fabrizio Romano — cited via GIVEMESPORT’s reporting — stated that while the clause exists, it is “not a big or significant one,” and he declined to confirm any percentage. GIVEMESPORT added that Napoli have not disclosed the figure publicly, contributing to the uncertainty surrounding its exact size.

This mix of reporting has prompted some United supporters to question whether the club undervalued the midfielder at the time, especially as his form has surged since leaving Old Trafford.

A standout performer in Naples

McTominay’s adaptation to Serie A proved swift and emphatic. According to GIVEMESPORT, he scored 12 league goals last season and played a central role in helping Napoli reclaim the Scudetto. His performances earned him Serie A’s MVP award for the 2024–25 campaign.

His impact has continued into the current season. McTominay’s long-range effort in a 3–1 win over Inter Milan earned the league’s October Goal of the Month, and his form for Scotland — including three goals in eight caps this year — culminated in Tuesday’s acrobatic match-winner.

The limits of sell-on clauses

While multiple outlets initially reported a 10% figure, Romano’s recent comments highlight an important nuance: sell-on clauses vary widely in structure and significance. Even if McTominay’s value continues to rise, the financial upside for United may be limited depending on the clause’s final wording and whether the original percentage was adjusted in the final stages of negotiation.

No buyback, no easy return

GIVEMESPORT also reported that Manchester United did not negotiate a buyback clause — a mechanism increasingly used by major clubs to retain leverage over departing players. Without it, any attempt to bring McTominay back to Old Trafford would require a standard negotiation with Napoli and likely a substantial fee.

For now, that scenario seems distant. McTominay is settled, trusted, and thriving in a system tailored to his strengths. With Scotland’s international momentum behind him and a prominent role in Naples, there is little indication he is seeking a return to England in the near future.

Sources: GIVEMESPORT, Fabrizio Romano, Football Today, Sportbible, OneFootball, Transfermarkt