Avellino complete €2.5m signing of Moroccan-Italian forward Walid Cheddira from Napoli

Moroccan-Italian forward Walid Cheddira has joined Avellino from Napoli for €2.5m, signing a contract that runs until 30 June 2030.

The 28-year-old centre-forward makes the move from Serie A to Serie B after a period spent largely away from Napoli on loan. Cheddira returned to the Naples club on 30 June following a spell with Lecce, having joined the latter temporarily in January 2026.

Before that, he spent the first half of the 2025-26 season on loan at Sassuolo. He made the switch after returning to Napoli from Espanyol, where he had played during the previous campaign. His latest move brings an end to a series of temporary spells since he signed for Napoli from Bari in August 2023.

Cheddira joined Napoli after helping Bari to promotion as Italian third-tier champions in the 2021-22 season. He was also the top scorer in the 2022-23 Italian Cup, finishing that competition with five goals.

His time at Napoli included a Serie A title in the 2024-25 season. The striker’s market value is listed at €2m, while Avellino’s fee makes the move one of the notable transactions in his career.

Born in Loreto, Italy, Cheddira represents his Moroccan heritage internationally and stands 1.87m tall. He is predominantly right-footed and is expected to add a central attacking option to Avellino’s squad following his arrival from the top flight.

The transfer was completed on 28 August 2026, with Cheddira leaving Napoli after three years at the club. He is now contracted to Avellino through the end of June 2030.