Kevin De Bruyne (34, Manchester City) is ready to head to Serie A champion SSC Napoli. The transfer is expected to be announced within the next two weeks as a free agent (FA).
The U.K. 'Daily Mail' reported on the 25th (Korean time) that "De Bruyne is preparing to finalize his transfer to Napoli. His last Premier League appearance for Manchester City is likely to be against Fulham." Manchester City is already in a situation where it has given up the league title and aims to secure a Champions League qualification in the final round.
De Bruyne has played for 10 years at Etihad Stadium, and the club is planning to erect a statue in honor of his contributions. After playing his final match, he will proceed with detailed negotiations regarding the future contract with Napoli. According to reports, he is said to prefer a two-year contract.
Chicago Fire of Major League Soccer has shown interest in acquiring him, and Inter Miami holds the right to negotiate first; however, unlike last year, De Bruyne's camp has not shown much reaction to approaches from Saudi Arabian Pro League clubs.
Regarded as the best central midfielder in Premier League history, De Bruyne wants to prove he can still compete at the highest level. He is set to embark on a new challenge in Naples, where he married his wife in 2017. Napoli claimed the league title after defeating Cagliari 2-0 in the final round, following a title race with Inter Milan this season. Scott McTominay led the midfield, while Billy Gilmour also played a role in the center.
Manager Pep Guardiola, ahead of De Bruyne's farewell, said, "An agreed farewell is relatively less difficult. But De Bruyne wanted to stay, and if the club didn't, that situation makes it difficult." He added, "We have been together for a long time and shared countless training sessions, games, joys, and pains. When we can no longer be together, seeing that spot empty... Oh my God, he's no longer here."
Reflecting on his time at Manchester City, De Bruyne said, "There were ups and downs, successes and failures, and injuries. You can’t always expect to be 100% perfect. You must learn from the tough moments." He continued, "I am still an old-fashioned football player. I play with intuition, creativity, and passion, and that's me. I am satisfied with that style."
Leaving the club he has been with for 10 years, De Bruyne could potentially face Guardiola's Manchester City in next season's Champions League wearing a Napoli jersey.
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