Kevin De Bruyne (34) is less likely to face Manchester City as an opponent. There are reports that he is leaning towards a sincere offer from Italy's Napoli.

British 'Sky Sports' reported on the 9th (Korea time) that "Napoli is attempting to sign Manchester City midfielder De Bruyne. They have decided to move to sign De Bruyne once his contract with Manchester City expires at the end of next month."

Napoli has already contacted De Bruyne. According to Gianluca Di Marzio, a transfer market expert also active with Sky Sports Italy, Giovanni Manna, Napoli's sporting director, visited Manchester in recent weeks to talk with De Bruyne.

The media reported that "Napoli explained their sporting project during the meeting with De Bruyne and discussed to understand his requirements. Di Marzio noted that De Bruyne is open to a transfer to Napoli and is reviewing it with his family and close associates."

De Bruyne is also receiving interest from clubs in the Saudi Arabian league backed by oil money and Major League Soccer (MLS) in the United States. However, he wishes to continue his career in Europe.

Sky Sports pointed out that "Napoli's signing of De Bruyne will be very complicated. They are trying to win against competition from other big clubs. MLS and Saudi Pro League teams also want De Bruyne. However, he is more likely to stay in Europe at this stage of his career."

Di Marzio explained Napoli's efforts to sign De Bruyne in more detail. He stated, "De Bruyne is open to a move to Napoli. However, he is being watched by several leagues including the Premier League and does not want to rush his decision."

He also added, "Napoli hopes to secure a definitive 'yes' from De Bruyne before discussing the financial details of the transaction. They are well aware that this process may take time."

Napoli seems to be prepared to work slowly and patiently, wanting to sign the 'big fish' De Bruyne. Di Marzio explained, "Napoli is making efforts to persuade De Bruyne, trying to convince him how important and crucial he could be at a club like Napoli, especially with the upcoming Champions League next season. They have been working for over a month for him."

Currently, Napoli is leading the league with three Serie A games remaining. Sky Sports reported that "Antonio Conte's Napoli is already planning for next season. Napoli hopes that De Bruyne's friendship with national team colleague Romelu Lukaku and his desire to stay in Europe will influence the signing."

De Bruyne recently announced his farewell to Manchester City. Last month, he stated on social media, "This season will be the last several months as a Manchester City player. Writing this is not easy, but it is a situation that a player must face someday. Manchester will be a name forever remembered by our family."

He also expressed, "Whether I like it or not, it is now time to say goodbye. Manchester will remain forever in our family’s hearts and passports." He added, "This place will always be our home. I can't express in words enough gratitude to everyone in this city, the club staff, teammates, friends, and family for being part of the journey over the last 10 years."

Born in 1991, De Bruyne is among the legends that will be remembered in Premier League history beyond Manchester City. Since donning the Manchester City jersey in 2015, he has won six Premier League titles, one UEFA Champions League title, two FA Cups, and five EFL Cups with manager Pep Guardiola. He was part of the 'treble' in the 2022-2023 season.

Coach Guardiola has also shown his affection for De Bruyne until the end. On the day of the farewell announcement, he stated, "It’s a sad day," and paid tribute to De Bruyne as the greatest player he has ever seen in the Premier League.

The sudden separation was Manchester City's decision. De Bruyne confessed, "I haven’t received any offers all year, and Manchester City made the decision. Obviously, I was a bit surprised, but I have to accept it. Honestly, I still believe I can perform at the highest level like I always have."

He hasn’t ruled out staying in the Premier League. When asked if his career in England was over, De Bruyne responded, "I don’t know. The decision to leave Manchester City was not made long ago. I haven’t seen my family since then. After speaking with them, I will see which team wants me." He further noted, "Challenges always exist. I don’t know what will happen next season."

He also mentioned, "If teams come to me with a great sporting project, then it works out. I know I’m no longer the youngest." He added, "I can still deliver top-level performance. I’m willing to consider any possible project. I love football, and if a good project comes along and my family likes it, then I can make a decision."

In fact, De Bruyne is being closely monitored within the Premier League. According to Sky Sports, Aston Villa has held internal discussions regarding the possibility of signing De Bruyne. There are even rumors linking him to Liverpool, leading to speculation that De Bruyne may aim for Manchester City's goal.

Of course, whether it's Napoli or Villa, fierce competition cannot be avoided. There are four MLS clubs targeting De Bruyne, including Inter Miami, where Lionel Messi plays. According to 'The Athletic', Miami, Chicago Fire, New York City FC, and D.C. United are in negotiations with De Bruyne.

Ultimately, it seems that De Bruyne's family's choice will determine his future. He prioritizes his family's life, so the possibility of staying in England cannot be ruled out. Sky Sports noted that "De Bruyne is keeping his family's lifestyle in mind and prioritizing both football and everyday life when deciding on his next destination. This has caught the attention of several Premier League clubs."

In fact, De Bruyne has previously rejected a move to Saudi Arabia due to his children's education and living environment. Last summer, British 'Daily Star' reported that "De Bruyne discussed a transfer to Saudi Arabia with his wife Michelle, who is reluctant for their children to move. The couple is particularly hesitant to change the school of their 8-year-old eldest son, Mason Million."

Currently, it appears that the De Bruyne family is leaning towards Napoli. According to Italian journalist Alfredo Pedullà, his wife Michelle has been privately staying in Napoli and visiting several apartments, as they are looking for a place to stay in preparation for the transfer. Napoli is reportedly planning to offer De Bruyne a two-year contract.

[Photo] Backpost UK, Transfers, Kevin De Bruyne, Sky Sports, Manchester City social media.

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