Kevin De Bruyne will join Napoli. The 33-year-old midfielder will don the jersey of the Italian champions after the expiration of the 2024/25 season, thereby closing one of the most important chapters in Manchester City’s recent history. The player has already given the Neapolitan club the go-ahead to conclude the final formalities of the agreement, report ESPN and SkySports Italy.
City notified it would not renew
Manchester City informed the player last April it would not be extending his contract. De Bruyne has been weighing his alternatives ever since. Though he would've liked to stay, the midfielder began to receive inquiries and offers from European clubs as well as Major League Soccer.
Chicago Fire was among the first to make a move. It made a formal approach but it was turned down. The ambition at the time of the player was to remain at the football peak of Europe. The MLS was secondary.
The first choice of the midfielder was to stay in a top division league, with a competitive fixture programme and ongoing involvement throughout European competitions. Italian Serie A, having just seen Napoli take the national championship, was the best available option.
Negotiations with Napoli proceeded
As the season drew to a close, the two clubs' negotiations gained speed. According to the midfielder's inner circle, a deal has not been inked but developments are going in the right direction. Logistical arrangements too have been made by Napoli. De Bruyne has even decided upon the school the children will attend and the home he will reside at while in Naples, according to journalist Gianluca Di Marzio.
The adaptation of the family was also a factor. The city drew them to it, and consequently, the choice was easier. It's expected the transaction will be completed smoothly after the Premier League campaign.