Solet on Inter links, Napoli opportunity and ‘courage’ on the ball

Udinese defender Oumar Solet reveals why he didn’t join Napoli, comments on Inter and Premier League links. ‘I started as a midfielder, so playing the ball is natural for me.’

The centre-back came to Serie A for Udinese as a free agent in January 2025, but it could’ve been a very different and earlier introduction to Italian football.

“It’s true that there was contact with Napoli in the past, but Red Bull Salzburg didn’t want to sell me,” Solet told La Gazzetta dello Sport.

Following a contract dispute, he managed to leave the Austrians and come to Udinese, where he made a name for himself.

“I like Serie A, it’s one of the three best leagues in the world. The level has really increased over the last few years, it is a very tactical competition.”

Trying to work out some hints about his future, including Newcastle United focus, he was asked if he prefers Serie A or the Premier League.

“They are two very different leagues, but I like both because they are attractive tournaments at the highest level, but I also like LaLiga and Ligue 1 too.”

The club most consistently linked with Solet is Inter, who see him as one of the potential heirs to Alessandro Bastoni.

“It is nice to be accosted to big clubs, but I am concentrated on Udinese,” he replied.

“I am happy here, the club has faith in me, I play consistently and have the opportunity to grow. This is fundamental for me. Udinese made me feel at home, I live in the centre of a nice, tranquil city, which allows me to concentrate on my work.”

Inter are above all interested in Solet because he is a ball-playing defender who can push forward and also start moves from the back with precise passing.

“I started out as a midfielder, then at age 17 I became a defender. I always had these characteristics to my game,” noted the 26-year-old.

“In Italy, there is a definite defensive focus and the first instinct is often to avoid taking risks. But seeing as I grew up playing in midfield, playing the ball and having it at my feet is natural for me.

“I don’t feel worried too much about taking risks with my passing, I just try to do what I do best. Maybe at times in Italy there is a lack of courage in pushing forward.”

Solet has dual citizenship with France and the Ivory Coast, but so far has not committed himself to either country.

“It is an important decision and I am thinking about it, but I want to make the right choice for my future.”