Napoli target De Bruyne won’t rush transfer decision: ‘Not an easy process’ | OneFootball

Kevin De Bruyne’s last game for Manchester City could come as early as next week, but the midfielder has made it clear he doesn’t want to rush a decision about his next destination. “It’s not that easy,” he said.

The Belgium international’s contract at the Etihad Stadium is set to expire at the end of June, which would, in theory, allow him to represent the Citizens in the new Club World Cup — at least in the initial stages of the competition.

TURIN, ITALY – DECEMBER 11: Kevin De Bruyne of Manchester City controls the ball under pressure from Federico Gatti and Kenan Yildiz of Juventus during the UEFA Champions League 2024/25 League Phase MD6 match between Juventus and Manchester City at Juventus Stadium on December 11, 2024 in Turin, Italy. (Photo by Valerio Pennicino/Getty Images)

However, the attacking midfielder criticised the timing of FIFA’s new tournament, pointing out that suffering an injury before leaving as a free agent could significantly impact negotiations with clubs interested in signing him.

De Bruyne give hints about next club: ‘Everything has to fall into place’

“It doesn’t make any sense,” De Bruyne told reporters following Manchester City’s defeat to Crystal Palace in the FA Cup final.

“But that happens when you push in new tournaments in the middle of a contract situation.

“I have to take care of myself because if I get injured in the Club World Cup, what am I going to do? Nobody’s going to take care of me at that point.

“So there’s a big chance I probably won’t play it. I don’t make the rules, I can’t do anything about it.”

Napoli are reportedly interested in signing De Bruyne, having put forward a two-year contract offer worth around €7 million per season, plus bonuses.

MANCHESTER, ENGLAND – MAY 02: Kevin De Bruyne of Manchester City celebrates scoring his team’s first goal during the Premier League match between Manchester City FC and Wolverhampton Wanderers FC at Etihad Stadium on May 02, 2025 in Manchester, England. (Photo by Carl Recine/Getty Images)

However, the 33-year-old has made it clear he wants to carefully consider his next professional move, stressing that “everything has to fall into place” for both him and his family when it comes to choosing his new club.

“I’ll take my decision whenever I’m ready or comfortable with making my decision,” he said.

“I want to finish these two games and make a decision, but it’s not that easy. I have to take care of my family. I’ve got three kids, my wife, it’s not an easy process at this time.

“Everything has to fall into place for my family and for myself.”