New favourites emerge in race to sign Kevin De Bruyne after MLS interest | OneFootball

A move to Serie A in Italy is now considered to be the most likely destination for Kevin De Bruyne this summer following new developments around one club in particular.

The Belgium international is currently in the process of weighing up his options for the future alongside his representatives and input from his family, as he prepares to bring an end to his club football career at Manchester City.

Club officials are believed to have made the decision not to renew De Bruyne’s contract beyond the end of this season largely due to the finances involved, and the plan to refresh Pep Guardiola’s playing squad over the off-season.

While Kevin De Bruyne will no doubt be focussed on the task at hand on the field for Manchester City, with UEFA Champions League qualification and an FA Cup Final on the agenda, reports on his next club continue to circulate European media.

Major League Soccer and the Saudi Pro League were initially believed to be the most serious possibilities for the player, but the prospect of continuing in European football has emerged after De Bruyne made it publicly clear that he would be willing to remain on the continent.

According to a new report from The i Paper, Serie A giants Napoli are now the favourites to sign Kevin De Bruyne on a free transfer following the expiry of his Manchester City contract this summer.

While there is no doubt some temptation to take on a fresh challenge in Major League Soccer or Saudi Arabia, the report points out that De Bruyne is keen to remain in European football while Aston Villa are also among a host of clubs monitoring the ongoing situation.

It currently still remains to be seen when Kevin De Bruyne will formally leave Manchester City, with his contract at the Etihad Stadium expiring midway through the course of the upcoming FIFA Club World Cup campaign in the United States this summer.

Clubs have the option to sign short-term contract extensions with players to get them through the course of the US-based tournament this summer, but De Bruyne has already insisted that any such eventuality will have to be agreed with his next team.

Speaking to broadcasters from Mexico in a recent interview, the Manchester City captain said on his availability for the club at the FIFA Club World Cup, “I don’t know.

“For me, it will depend on whatever happens in future, depending on what team I’ll go and what competition I’ll play. And also if the new team doesn’t want me to play, doesn’t want to risk.”