Raul Albiol completes Napoli transfer

Spain international defender Raul Albiol has officially completed a transfer switch from Real Madrid to Napoli, worth a reported 8.5 million Euros. The transfer comes hot on the heels of Napoli's reported interest in Liverpool keeper Pepe Reina.

Albiol had been an important member of Real's squad for the coming season but Carlo Ancelotti decided to let the player leave in search of regular first team football. The lure of Naples and Napoli's new manager, fellow countryman Rafa Benitez, convinced Albiol that his future lie in Serie A.


"The 27-year-old Spanish defender arrives from Real Madrid and has signed a four-year contract," read a statement on Napoli's official website.


Albiol is one of the first of many expected transfer signings from Napoli, who have just received a massive 57 million Euros from the sale of Uruguayan striker Edinson Cavani.