Napoli’s farewell: two key departures as contracts run out

SSC Napoli confirmed on Tuesday that Brazilian defender Juan Jesus and Macedonian midfielder Eljif Elmas are leaving the club as their contracts expire, with Jesus set to become a free agent and Elmas returning to RB Leipzig, the side that holds his registration.

The club posted warm tributes on its official channels, a message also carried by Il Corriere dello Sport, highlighting the end of the two players’ spells under owner Aurelio De Laurentiis. The statements thanked both athletes for their contributions during their time in Naples.

Juan Jesus arrived at Napoli in August 2021 and amassed 130 appearances, scoring five goals and providing two assists. He featured 35 times across all competitions last season and was part of the squads that secured two Serie A titles and the Supercoppa Italiana in December.

Eljif Elmas concluded his second loan spell with Napoli after making 44 appearances in the most recent campaign, including one goal in 33 league matches. Overall, he leaves having recorded 233 games, 20 goals and 15 assists for the club since his first stint began in 2019.

Napoli’s farewell message read, “SSC Napoli thanks and says goodbye to Juan Jesus, who has come to the end of his contract with the club,” adding, “The most sincere thanks go to Juan Jesus for the professionalism, spirit of self‑sacrifice and attachment to the shirt shown throughout his Neapolitan adventure.” An accompanying video declared, “Five seasons, one way to live them: with heart. Thank you, Juan,” while the club’s note to Elmas simply stated, “Naples will always be with you. Good luck, Elif.”

With his contract concluded, Juan Jesus now enters free agency and can negotiate with any interested club. Eljif Elmas returns to RB Leipzig, where he remains under contract and will resume his duties following the loan.

A photo from November 4, 2025 captured Elmas looking disappointed during Napoli’s Champions League match against Eintracht Frankfurt at the Stadio Diego Armando Maradona. The image, credited to Francesco Pecoraro/Getty Images, underscores the midfielder’s involvement in European competition during his Napoli tenure.