Napoli ‘started De Bruyne talks 3 months ago’ – before Manchester City decision | OneFootball

Napoli President Aurelio De Laurentiis confirms the talks with Kevin De Bruyne ‘started three months ago’ when he was still deciding his Manchester City future.

The midfielder will be a free agent from June 30 when his current contract with the Premier League giants expires.

He has already rejected other more lucrative proposals from the likes of the MLS and Saudi Pro League to accept a new challenge at Napoli.

NAPLES, ITALY – MAY 26: Aurelio De Laurentiis, President of SSC Napoli, celebrates the victory of Serie A TIM during the SSC Napoli Trophy Parade on May 26, 2025 in Naples, Italy. (Photo by Francesco Pecoraro/Getty Images)

“The De Bruyne operation started three months ago,” revealed President De Laurentiis during an event to announce Napoli’s pre-season training camp.

“However, it is not the most important deal of my career. De Bruyne is world class, even if his age is getting along a bit.

“He is part of a team that will need to be strengthened, because we will be participating in four competitions. There will be many new additions, we like to work well.”

Napoli a new start for De Bruyne

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)

De Bruyne had been expected to undergo his medical this week, but he decided to wait until after completing international duty with Belgium first.

The midfielder turns 34 later this month and had been at Manchester City since 2015, but in early April the club announced it was not going to offer him a new contract.

The player confessed he was “a bit surprised” at being told he was no longer part of their plans and would not even be given the opportunity to negotiate a lower salary.

“Honestly, I still think I can perform at this level like I’m showing, but I understand clubs have to make decisions,” said De Bruyne in April.

“I feel like I still have a lot to give. Obviously I know I’m not 25 anymore, but I still feel like I can do my job.”