Manchester City’s esteemed playmaker, Kevin De Bruyne, is on the verge of completing a significant free transfer to Italian giants Napoli, with the deal expected to be finalised within the next two weeks. After a decade of distinguished service at the Etihad, the Belgian maestro is set to bow out from the Premier League, making his final appearance against Fulham as City aim to secure a spot in the coveted Champions League.
The 33-year-old De Bruyne, who will soon be immortalised with a statue outside the Etihad, has been pivotal for City, etching his name as arguably one of the finest central midfielders in the Premier League era. As he bids farewell to Manchester, De Bruyne is reportedly seeking a two-year contract with Napoli, a club that recently captured their fourth Scudetto in a nail-biting finale to the Serie A season.
Though interest was shown by MLS outfits, including the Chicago Fire, and his discovery rights initially held by Inter Miami, De Bruyne’s camp refrained from engaging with clubs from the Saudi Pro League. Instead, he remains eager to test his mettle at the highest level in Europe, a move likely to see him potentially face his former club, Manchester City, in upcoming European contests.
Reflecting on his imminent departure, Pep Guardiola expressed mixed emotions, “When both parties agree, it’s straightforward. But Kevin wanted to stay, and the club opted otherwise, which makes it tougher. So many shared moments, victories, and trials. It’s hard knowing he won’t be there in the day-to-day.”
Napoli, buoyed by the performances of Scottish internationals Scott McTominay and Billy Gilmour, clinched the league title in Italy’s grand finale. De Bruyne, who married in Naples in 2017, expressed contentment with his journey at City, acknowledging the highs and lows he navigated during his tenure. “Success, setbacks, injuries – I’ve learned from it all. Still, I relish playing with intuition and passion,” he noted.
As Manchester City prepares to enter a new chapter, they are in the process of honouring De Bruyne’s profound impact with a dedicated statue, ensuring his legacy is etched into the club’s rich history. The imminent move to Napoli marks the beginning of a fresh footballing adventure for De Bruyne, as he continues to showcase his extraordinary talent on football’s grandest stages.
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