Napoli monitoring South African defender Mbekezeli Mbokazi after Chicago breakthrough

Napoli are being linked with a move for South African centre-back Mbekezeli Mbokazi, 20, who currently plays for MLS side Chicago Fire FC.

The Serie A club are listed as suitors for the left-footed defender, with the rumour emerging on 4 July from Transfermarkts tracking of potential deals. The probability of a move is currently marked as unclear (?), and there is no indication yet of formal talks between the clubs.

Mbokazi, born in Hluhluwe, KwaZulu-Natal on 19 September 2005, only joined Chicago Fire from South African giants Orlando Pirates on 26 January 2026. His contractual situation in MLS has not been made public, with no confirmed expiry date, leaving scope for speculation over a future move or, longer term, the possibility of him running down a deal and becoming a free agent.

Chicagos No 4 has been used at centre-back, his main position, and is listed at 1.77m tall. A left-footed central defender with South Africa as his sole nationality, he has developed quickly since moving from Orlando Pirates Reserves into the Pirates first team in October 2024 before heading to Major League Soccer.

His market value has risen sharply over the past year. Valued at 300,000 in May 2025 while at Orlando Pirates, he climbed to 1.2m by December, then 2.5m in January 2026 just before his switch to Chicago. By 2 June 2026, that figure had reached 3.50m at Chicago Fire, the number now being referenced in speculation around a potential transfer to Napoli.

Recent MLS performances including a solid outing in Chicagos most recent fixture, a tight league match earlier this week in which he again featured in central defence have helped keep European scouts attentive. A transfer to Napoli remains only a rumour at this stage, but a move to Serie A would represent a significant next step in a career that is already accelerating rapidly.