European giants 'ready to close the deal' for De Bruyne - Romano

Tom Weber
Tom Weber
  • Updated: 21 May 2025 15:57 BST
  • 4 min read
Kevin De Bruyne, Michele De Bruyne, 2024
© IMAGO

Napoli are ready to finalise the signing of Kevin de Bruyne, but the Manchester City legend has yet to give the go-ahead, according to Fabrizio Romano.

Article continues under the video

The Belgian is set to depart the Etihad this summer after not being offered a contract extension by Man City. De Bruyne played his final game on home soil on Tuesday as the Cityzens beat Bournemouth.

Current ETV
Player image Kevin De Bruyne
Kevin De Bruyne

M (C)

Man City logo

Man City

Kevin De Bruyne
Kevin De Bruyne

M (C)

Man City

Man City

€20.1M

ETV Range

€18.1M - €22.1M

An emotional De Bruyne was substituted off to raucous applause, and Man City confirmed that they will erect a statue for their soon-to-be-former midfield maestro.

De Bruyne leaves Manchester a six-time Premier League and one-time European champion, but his next destination is not yet known. Initially, a move to Major League Soccer appeared to be the most likely outcome.

After links with San Diego and Inter Miami, the Chicago Fire stepped up their pursuit of the Belgian. Their offer remains on the table, but De Bruyne has yet to make a decision, according to Fabrizio Romano.

De Bruyne could join Napoli

The transfer insider reports that the 33-year-old is still mulling over his next move. De Bruyne is keen to sign for a club that not only offers an interesting project but also a good environment for his family.

Romano has confirmed that Serie A title challengers Napoli are also keenly interested in the Belgium international. In fact, the market expert states that the Naples club would be 'ready to close the deal any moment from now' if given the green light from the player.

Kevin de Bruyne
© IMAGO - Kevin de Bruyne

The Italian giants have made an 'important offer' to De Bruyne, and his wife reportedly already made a trip to Italy to get a feel for the city and to look for a future home.

De Bruyne himself previously hinted that he could stay in the Premier League, but links to Liverpool have been played down. As things stand, a move abroad is the most realistic scenario for one of English football's greatest playmakers.

Football transfer news headlines today

Viktor Gyokeres: Man Utd attempt HIJACK of 'agreed' Arsenal signing

Man Utd to complete signing as Ballon d'Or favourite agrees deal

Nico Williams Transfer News Today: Real Madrid interest triggers €100m Arsenal deal

Liverpool Transfer News Today: €190m JACKPOT as Wirtz gets SERIOUS

The FootballTransfers app

Check out FootballTransfers' new app for all of football's big storylines, transfer rumours and exclusive news in one convenient place directly on your mobile device.

The FootballTransfers app is available on Google Play and in the Apple App Store. Download here:

Google Play

App Store

Never miss the next big transfer!

Get the latest transfer insights and analyses directly in your mailbox.