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Napoli begin Osimhen spending spree: Conte beats Mourinho to De Bruyne as David moves to Serie A
Robin Bairner
- 29 May 2025 14:03 BST
- 5 min read
News
Napoli have started to spend the money they will receive when Victor Osimhen is sold, with the Serie A champions having locked down a deal to sign Kevin De Bruyne from Manchester City.
Osimhen is expected to leave Napoli for a fee in the region of €70 million, with a move to Saudi Pro League side Al-Hilal looking his likeliest option for the moment as Premier League teams cool their interest in the star.
De Bruyne has rejected a string of lucrative offers to sign for the Italian side, even knocking back an offer of €25 million to sign for Jose Mourinho’s Fenerbahce.
STATS
Kevin De Bruyne
M (C)
Man City
Kevin De Bruyne
M (C)
Man City
Crucial to the Belgium international star’s decision was a pledge from Scott McTominay’s side that Conte will remain in charge for next season.
There had been doubts over the future of the former Chelsea and Tottenham Hotspur boss, who had been concerned about the club’s ambition in the transfer market. These doubts have been brushed aside, according to the information of Sky Sport Switzerland journalist Sacha Tavolieri, who took to X to give an update on De Bruyne’s situation.
“In the last talks between Kevin De Bruyne and Napoli, it has been confirmed that Antonio Conte should stay,” he said.
“During the negotiations with the Partenopei, De Bruyne’s people received a €25m net package for two years contract from Fenerbahce. As revealed earlier in May, he has picked Napoli. No way out.”
Jonathan David will also sign for the Serie A champions, according to a report from Corriere dello Sport. The Lille striker will hook up with Napoli when his contract with the Ligue 1 side expires.
Fellow LOSC star Edon Zhegrova might yet prove to be the club’s third signing, with the Kosovo international set for a summer transfer.
The expert’s opinion: De Bruyne to Napoli
Italian football expert Carlo Garganese says De Bruyne’s arrival at Napoli is a big moment for Conte’s side.
“The signing of Kevin de Bruyne represents a big statement from Napoli president Aurelio De Laurentiis that the newly-crowned champions are intent on building on their Scudetto success,” he told FootballTransfers.
“De Bruyne's signing may also convince manager Antonio Conte to stay. Conte seemed certain to leave to return to Juventus but De Laurentiis promised his coach not only De Bruyne but also a massive summer of spending.
“De Bruyne will be the replacement of Andre Zambo-Anguissa in the Napoli starting XI if the Cameroonian leaves. If Anguissa stays, then Napoli will have four top options to rotate in central midfield along with Stanislav Lobotka and Serie A Player of the Year Scott McTominay.
“As for De Bruyne, he has chosen Napoli rather than richer contracts in Turkey and America because he believes he still can play at the top level in Europe and the Champions League. He also is in love with Naples - as is his wife - as a city and the couple married in Sorrento which overlooks the Bay of Naples.”
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