Kevin De Bruyne (34) is expected to leave the English Premier League stage. He will part ways with Manchester City. His new team is likely to be the Italian Serie A champion Napoli.
On the 28th (Korea time), Britain's 'Talksport' reported, "West Ham and Aston Villa proposed to him to remain in the Premier League, but De Bruyne rejected it. A transfer to Napoli is likely."
De Bruyne will end his contract with Manchester City on June 30. Due to this, he will not participate in the FIFA Club World Cup to be held in the U.S. on June 15. The announcement of his transfer to Napoli is expected to be made within this month.
Clubs from Major League Soccer (MLS) such as Chicago Fire and San Diego FC, as well as clubs from Saudi Arabia, also pursued him, but all were rejected.
De Bruyne's new home is likely to be Napoli, the Serie A champion this season.
Aurelio De Laurentiis, president of Napoli, hinted at the imminent deal through the Italian 'Gazzetta dello Sport', saying, "I understand that De Bruyne has secured accommodation near Naples."
He further noted, "I had a video call with his wife and 9-year-old son," adding, "Although we have not yet signed the contract, we are in a very serious situation."
De Bruyne's contract with Manchester City ends on June 30. As a result, he will not participate in the FIFA Club World Cup to be held in the U.S. on June 15. The announcement of his transfer to Napoli is expected to be made within this month.
According to local reports, Napoli has offered a two-year contract with a one-year extension option. The annual salary is about £4.6 million (approximately 8.5 billion won), and the signing bonus is said to be £8 million (approximately 14.8 billion won). Performance bonuses are also included in the contract.
De Bruyne's choice of Napoli is also influenced by the fact that he held his wedding with his wife in Naples. Furthermore, the prospect of competing in the UEFA Champions League next season also serves as an attractive factor.
Meanwhile, Napoli is also showing interest in acquiring Lee Kang-in from Paris Saint-Germain (PSG). 'Calcio Mercato' reported that "Napoli has begun contact with Lee Kang-in's side" and plans to fill one of the spots for non-European Union players with him.
Matteo Moretto, a journalist from Spain's 'Relevo', also reported, "Napoli considered trading Lee Kang-in for Kvicha Kvaratskhelia last winter, but it fell through due to opposition from PSG," adding, "the situation has changed this summer, and PSG is also keeping the possibility of a transfer open."
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