Scott McTominay was greeted like a hero by Napoli fans as he arrived in Italy for his imminent move from Manchester United. The Scotland international, 27, landed in Naples at midday on Thursday, preparing for a medical examination before finalizing his permanent transfer. The midfielder, who has spent 22 years with United, is set to join the Serie A club for £25.2 million before the summer transfer window closes.

Hundreds of enthusiastic fans, armed with phones, flocked to Naples Airport to catch a glimpse of their new signing. McTominay, a product of the United academy, was quickly escorted into a car by a security team, heading to his hotel before proceeding to the Diego Maradona Stadium.

Before the vehicle departed, a smiling McTominay turned to the crowd and enthusiastically shouted “Forza Napoli,” much to the delight of the fans. His reception was reminiscent of the welcomes given to Cristiano Ronaldo when he arrived at Juventus in 2018 and Lionel Messi when he landed in Miami last July.

McTominay is expected to sign a long-term contract with Napoli on Thursday after agreeing on personal terms with the Italian club. This transfer will make him one of the most expensive Scottish footballers ever, with United also including a 10 percent sell-on clause.

Although Erik ten Hag had hoped to retain him, United could not guarantee him the starting role he desired. The Premier League’s current PSR rules also favor the sale of homegrown players by rewarding their departure for ‘pure profit.’

With just one year remaining on his contract at Old Trafford, the sale of McTominay will aid United’s pursuit of midfielder Manuel Ugarte, whose transfer is expected to be announced soon. Meanwhile, 18-year-old Sekou Kone is undergoing his medical with United on Thursday ahead of a move from Mali club Guidars FC.

Napoli, who finished tenth in Serie A last season, are under the guidance of boss Antonio Conte and are aiming to challenge for the top positions in Italian football. Sporting director Giovanni Manna, who was in London last week on transfer business, is also hopeful of signing another Scottish midfielder, Billy Gilmour, from Brighton for around £12 million.

Similar to McTominay’s welcome, Chelsea’s Romelu Lukaku received a warm reception earlier this week as he prepared to join in a £38 million deal.