Former Napoli striker Sosa: ‘Højlund can’t improve if he trains with Lucca’

NAPLES, ITALY - NOVEMBER 08: Noa Lang and Rasmus Hojlund of SSC Napoli react during the Serie A match between SSC Napoli and SS Lazio at Stadio Diego Armando Maradona on November 08, 2026 in Naples, Italy. (Photo by Francesco Pecoraro/Getty Images)

Former Napoli striker Roberto Sosa believes Rasmus Højlund can’t improve while his only competition is Lorenzo Lucca, and he wants the club to sign Monza’s Gustavo Varela in January.

According to Areanapoli, the Argentine, nicknamed ‘Pampa’, made the comments on Radio Marte. Lucca has been heavily criticised, and Troy Deeney called him “one of the worst strikers I’ve ever seen” earlier this week.

“Would Monza’s Gustavo Varela be the right signing in January? It’s easy to say yes,” Sosa said. “Højlund can’t play every game. If you want the Dane to improve, you have to put him up against someone strong in training during the week.

“How is he going to improve competing with Lucca? Maybe Lorenzo can improve that way, but not him. Lucca to Lecce? He’d struggle to be a starter there too.”

Sosa backs Varela move for Napoli

Napoli have already contacted the representatives of Varela, who leads Serie A with nine goals and has just earned his first Portugal call-up. Lucca, meanwhile, is expected to leave on loan.

“Varela could be a useful signing to increase the competition up front and raise Rasmus’ level,” Sosa added. “I like Højlund, but are you really convinced he can score eight to 10 goals in the next few games?”

Højlund missed a great chance from two yards in Sunday’s 1-1 draw with Lazio.