De Bruyne to Reportedly Join Napoli as a Free Agent

Kevin De Bruyne is reportedly on the verge of signing with Napoli, the current Serie A champions, having turned down significant offers from Chicago Fire FC of Major League Soccer (MLS), according to sources.

The 33-year-old Belgian midfielder is anticipated to commence formal discussions with Napoli next week as a free agent.

This development follows reports that Manchester City opted not to present him with a contract extension, potentially making his recent match against Fulham his final one for the club.

De Bruyne, who made the move to City from Wolfsburg in 2015, has enjoyed a successful career in England, securing 14 major titles, notably six Premier League titles and the UEFA Champions League in 2023.

He was twice recognized as the PFA Players’ Player of the Year, in the 2019/20 and 2020/21 seasons.

With 118 assists, De Bruyne is second in the Premier League’s all-time assist rankings and has recorded 106 goals in 413 appearances for City.

Sources familiar with the player’s situation suggest that despite De Bruyne’s desire to remain at the Etihad, the club did not express interest in prolonging his tenure.

Consequently, he has declined proposals from both MLS and Germany in favor of a transfer to Italy.

Napoli, who secured the Serie A title with a 2-0 victory over Cagliari, are expected to finalize the agreement with De Bruyne after City’s final league game of the season.

Those in the know hint that personal factors played a crucial role in the decision, and De Bruyne is expected to team up with his Belgian national teammate Romelu Lukaku at the Diego Armando Maradona Stadium.

During what was likely his last appearance at the Etihad, De Bruyne received an emotional farewell from his teammates and manager Pep Guardiola.

“It’s a somber occasion. His absence will be felt,” Guardiola commented after the match. “Conversely, it was a positive day for him to significantly contribute to a victory that holds great importance for us.”