Serie A giants ‘leading the race’ to sign Kevin De Bruyne | OneFootball

De Bruyne Sparks Transfer Tug of War with Salary Demand as Napoli and Chicago Fire Lead Race

Interest builds as De Bruyne weighs next step

As Kevin De Bruyne bids farewell to Manchester City’s home crowd, the speculation over his next move intensifies. According to TalkSport, the 33-year-old is attracting serious interest from Serie A leaders Napoli and Major League Soccer’s Chicago Fire, with both clubs positioning themselves as frontrunners for one of the Premier League’s most decorated playmakers.

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Despite the American interest and previous links to Saudi Arabia, De Bruyne is believed to prefer staying in Europe. “TalkSPORT understands that he’s prioritising staying in Europe over a big money move to MLS or the Saudi Pro League,” the report confirms, with sources close to the player stating that suggestions of an approach from NEOM SC are inaccurate.

Family and workload key to decision

De Bruyne’s decision, however, is not rooted purely in footballing ambition. Family considerations and workload management are said to be central to his thinking. With the 2026 World Cup still in his sights, the Belgian is mindful of reducing the physical toll of domestic campaigns. The lighter MLS schedule could appeal on that front, even if the competition level may not.

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De Bruyne is reportedly asking for a salary in the region of £12 million per year – or £230,000 per week – which would represent a significant drop from his Manchester City wages but still places him among Europe’s highest earners.

Napoli present attractive proposition

Napoli are particularly encouraged by De Bruyne’s preference for European football and family-friendly environments. The Italian club are on the brink of a surprise Scudetto triumph under Antonio Conte, whose Premier League-centric rebuild has been fuelled by the arrivals of Lukaku, McTominay, Zambo Anguissa and others.

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With Champions League football guaranteed and Conte building a team based on physical intensity and tactical fluency, the fit appears increasingly ideal. A De Bruyne move would mark another coup for a manager who has consistently squeezed elite performances from experienced players.

Premier League wild card?

A return to the Premier League has not been ruled out, however. TalkSport pundit Danny Murphy floated the idea of Liverpool swooping in on a free deal. “Get him to Anfield on a free, they’ve got 60 games a season, he could come in as a ten,” Murphy suggested, pointing to De Bruyne’s childhood allegiance to the club. “Have you not seen interviews from when he was a kid? It was all Liverpool.”

Murphy likened such a move to the club’s 2000 signing of Gary McAllister. “I know he wasn’t at De Bruyne’s level but when he signed there were so many people saying ‘What the hell are they doing?’”

Whether nostalgia or pragmatism wins out remains to be seen, but De Bruyne’s next destination will undoubtedly be one of the stories of the summer window.

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The idea of signing De Bruyne sounds seductive but unrealistic.

Yes, he grew up supporting Liverpool. Yes, he idolised Michael Owen. But football at this level is rarely about childhood fandom. The finances, the style of play and the squad dynamics all matter more. Would he take a back-up role under Arne Slot? Would Liverpool offer £230,000 a week for a 33-year-old when their focus is on sustainability and long-term planning?

There’s also the system question. De Bruyne has been at his best in a free, advanced role, protected by City’s possession-heavy midfield. Slot’s Liverpool will likely require more pressing and energy from attacking midfielders. At 33, and with injury concerns lingering, can De Bruyne realistically provide that across 50 to 60 matches?

Murphy’s comparison to Gary McAllister makes for a nostalgic pitch, but the game has changed. Liverpool have targets under 25 who fit the project. Signing a veteran for sentiment, even one of De Bruyne’s calibre, feels out of step with the club’s current strategy.

Great player. All-time Premier League great. But this is probably a romantic idea best left as just that.