In a candid interview revealing deep fractures with Napoli management, Dutch winger Noa Lang has claimed he was “unfairly treated” by head coach Antonio Conte before his abrupt loan departure to Turkish Süper Lig leaders Galatasaray just six months after arriving in Italy.
The 26-year-old Netherlands international, who made his debut for the Istanbul club just two days after signing, suggested that his relationship with Conte never clicked and pointed to “political behaviour” behind the scenes as key factors in his premature exit.
Speaking to Dutch television, Lang expressed his frustration with the narrative surrounding his limited role at Napoli, where he made 27 appearances but started only nine.
“It speaks for itself, I think,” Lang said regarding his swift transfer to Turkey. “How am I going to say this in a normal way? It didn’t click with the trainer. Let’s leave it at that.” He further insisted that the criticism he faced for his performances was unwarranted.
“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”.
Lang took aim at what he perceived as unfair treatment behind closed doors. “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 friction, he was careful to distinguish between the coaching staff and the club itself, where he claimed to have broad support. “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 explained.
He added, “Nine out of ten people didn’t want me to leave either. I was good in the group, I trained well every day”.
The decisive factor in seeking a move, according to Lang, was securing his place in the Netherlands squad for the 2026 FIFA World Cup in North America this summer. “A player needs to feel like he’s being treated fairly. I didn’t get that feeling at Napoli,” he said.
“The World Cup is in the summer. I couldn’t afford to take any risks. That’s also why I chose Galatasaray”. He noted the choice to leave was difficult and that he initially wanted to stay and fight for his place.
Lang’s move to Galatasaray, finalized on January 23, is structured as a loan with an option to buy. The Turkish club paid a €2 million loan fee and negotiated an option to make the deal permanent for €28 million.
In a unique contractual twist, reports indicate that if Galatasaray declines the purchase option, they must pay Napoli an additional €2 million penalty, effectively doubling the total loan cost to €4 million.
The winger made an immediate physical commitment to his new team, starting against Kayserispor just two days after his signing despite carrying an injury.
Galatasaray manager Okan Buruk revealed Lang had bone edema and had missed significant training but insisted on playing. His performance, which included a key long pass that led to his new team’s third goal in a 4-0 victory, was met with applause from the home supporters.
This episode marks another turbulent chapter for Lang, a player known for his talent as much as for past controversies.
His claims of unfair treatment and a broken relationship with Conte raise questions about his long-term future with Napoli, where he remains under contract until 2030.