Lorient consider Napoli defender Obaretin after Empoli return

Italian-Nigerian defender Nosa Edward Obaretin, currently with Napoli, has been linked with a move to French club FC Lorient.

The 23-year-old centre-back is the subject of reported interest from the Ligue 1 side, with Napoli holding his registration after he returned from a loan spell at Empoli. Obaretin spent the 2025-26 season at Empoli before rejoining Napoli on 30 June 2026.

Obaretin joined Napoli from the club’s under-19 side in July 2023 and has since continued his development through loan moves in Italy. Before his season with Empoli, he played for Bari during the 2024-25 campaign and Trento in 2023-24.

The 1.93m defender has made 54 Serie B appearances in his senior career, registering two assists. He has also played 33 times in Serie C, scoring twice, as well as featuring in youth competitions and the Italy Cup.

Obaretin’s current contract with Napoli runs until 30 June 2027. His market value is listed at €1.5m, while no transfer fee or probability has been established for a potential move to Lorient.

Napoli remain his current club as interest from France is monitored, with the proposed switch still at the rumour stage.