Napoli pushing to sign world-class Man City star | OneFootball

Napoli Approach De Bruyne as Man City Prepare for Post-Captain Era

Napoli keen to swoop as De Bruyne edges towards Man City exit

Napoli have stepped forward in the race to sign Kevin De Bruyne, signalling their intent with a direct approach to the Manchester City captain’s representatives. According to The Times, the Serie A leaders are serious about bringing the Belgian to Italy once his contract at the Etihad expires on June 30.

After a decade of brilliance in Manchester, City appear content to close the chapter on one of their most influential modern players. De Bruyne, 33, had hoped for an extension that would keep him in the Premier League for another year. Instead, the club have opted not to renew his deal, leaving him set to become a free agent this summer.

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European ambition versus global appeal

While lucrative offers have arrived from Saudi Arabia and Major League Soccer, De Bruyne is understood to favour remaining in Europe, both to prolong his elite-level career and to compete again in the Champions League. Napoli, poised for a return to the competition next season, tick those boxes and more.

Managed by Antonio Conte, the Neapolitan club leads Serie A by three points with three games to play. Their ambitions are serious, and their recruitment drive supports that. De Bruyne would not be alone in seeking a new chapter in southern Italy. The Belgian could reunite with his compatriot Romelu Lukaku, while Scott McTominay, thriving with 12 goals and four assists this season, and Billy Gilmour have also flourished under Conte’s demanding system.

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MLS interest complicated by wage constraints

Across the Atlantic, MLS clubs remain keen but hamstrung. Inter Miami initially held “discovery priority” rights for De Bruyne — a mechanism granting them first option on a potential deal — but relinquished that privilege due to financial realities. Already stacked with high-profile names like Messi, Busquets and Alba, David Beckham’s franchise simply cannot afford another marquee contract.

Photo: IMAGO

Chicago Fire now hold the rights, with one designated player slot still open. Their current top earner, Hugo Cuypers, earns around £47,000 a week — a figure dwarfed by De Bruyne’s £400,000 weekly wage at City. Tempting the Belgian playmaker to the 11th-placed Eastern Conference side will be a tall order.

Saudi riches remain on the table

Unsurprisingly, the Saudi Pro League also lurks, able to comfortably match or exceed City’s wage package. While the money is persuasive, there’s little suggestion yet that De Bruyne sees his next move solely through that lens.

A legacy that changed City’s identity

De Bruyne’s influence at City is indelible. Since joining in 2015 from Wolfsburg for £55 million, he’s lifted 16 trophies, including the long-coveted Champions League in 2023. Injuries have disrupted his rhythm recently, yet his quality endures, exemplified in decisive performances against Crystal Palace and Wolves this term.

Photo IMAGO

City’s decision to move on might be seen as pragmatic — the profile of the team is evolving, and so too is the squad’s average age. Yet letting go of a player whose vision and delivery shaped an era carries risks, especially if he thrives elsewhere in Europe.

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For Manchester City supporters, this is a difficult one to accept emotionally, even if it makes cold financial sense. De Bruyne isn’t just any player. He’s the heartbeat of the most successful side in the club’s history. Letting him go on a free feels anticlimactic for a figure of his magnitude.

There’s also unease about the idea of De Bruyne lighting up the Champions League in a Napoli shirt while City recalibrate. Conte’s Napoli project is no retirement gig; it’s a serious footballing proposition. If De Bruyne helps drive them deep into European competition, City fans may look back on this decision with some regret.

That said, there’s admiration too. If Kevin wants to stay in Europe and keep competing at the highest level, it fits the winning mentality he’s always shown in Manchester. Whether it’s Napoli, another top club, or even an unlikely MLS twist, De Bruyne leaves City with gratitude and legend status firmly intact.