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Analysis
- 4 hours ago
Kevin De Bruyne makes transfer decision: Three-year agreement confirmed
Tom Weber
- Updated: 31 May 2025 06:34 CDT
- 4 min read
News
Kevin de Bruyne could finalise his transfer to Napoli as early as next week, according to Italian media.
The Belgian midfield maestro is leaving Manchester City after a trophy-laden decade, and he will depart the Cityzens before they set off for their Club World Cup campaign.
De Bruyne was not offered a contract extension by the club, which means that he is available as a free agent. Major League Soccer side Chicago Fire have been pushing hard in recent weeks to secure the 33-year-old as a marquee signing this summer, but to no avail.
Current ETV
Kevin De Bruyne
M, AM (C)
Man City
Kevin De Bruyne
M, AM (C)
Man City
ETV Range
€18.1M - €22.1M
According to Gazzetta dello Sport, De Bruyne has given the green light to newly-minted Serie A champions Napoli to join them on an initial two-year deal with the option for a further season.
Ideally, the veteran midfielder would like to have the matter resolved by next week, although international duty with Belgium could delay his medical. Either way, De Bruyne has chosen Napoli as his next club.
De Bruyne set for Napoli
Napoli had been growing in confidence in recent days that they would be able to attract De Bruyne. Not only have they managed to retain star manager Antonio Conte, but the offer made to the Man City legend has been described as 'huge' by Fabrizio Romano.
De Bruyne will reportedly pocket a significant signing-on bonus for giving Napoli the nod, and his wage will also be quite handsome. Club president Aurelio de Laurentiis confirmed earlier this week that the midfielder and his family have already purchased a 'beautiful villa' in the area.
It is claimed that De Bruyne will pocket an annual net salary of €5.5 million in his first two years at the club. Should his extension be triggered, his salary would drop to €5m for the final year.
According to the Italian press, Napoli are also making progress in talks with Lille striker Jonathan David, who would also join on a free transfer. Conte and De Laurentiis - despite not always seeing eye-to-eye - are clearly in the process of assembling a frightening team.
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