Man City legend wanted by Napoli as Serie A champions go public | OneFootball

Napoli confirm interest in Kevin De Bruyne as Man City exit nears

Napoli president outlines ambition to sign City playmaker

Kevin De Bruyne’s departure from Manchester City has triggered early manoeuvres in the race for his signature, with Napoli emerging as one of the leading contenders. The Belgian, now 33, will leave City as a free agent this summer after a decade of service that yielded multiple trophies and transformed the club’s creative DNA.

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Napoli president Aurelio de Laurentiis has publicly confirmed that the Serie A champions are targeting De Bruyne and will make a formal move once they receive approval from the player. Speaking to Il Mattino, De Laurentiis said:

This marks a bold and strategic ambition from the Naples club, fresh from clinching another Scudetto under Antonio Conte. With Champions League football secured and a desire to inject further experience into the midfield, De Bruyne is seen as a transformational signing, both on and off the pitch.

De Bruyne keeps options open amid European interest

De Bruyne has not yet revealed his next step, though early speculation had linked him with another Premier League move. That has now been ruled out, with the playmaker indicating that his next chapter will unfold overseas.

He has previously impressed in the Bundesliga during his time at Wolfsburg, but a move to Italy would offer Champions League continuity at a high level. There is also interest from Inter Miami in Major League Soccer, although a switch to Serie A would allow him to continue performing in one of Europe’s top five leagues and retain national team sharpness ahead of international competitions.

Photo: IMAGO

City era ends with emotion and legacy intact

After City’s final home game of the season, De Bruyne bid farewell to the Etihad in a heartfelt address. He reflected on a decade of progress and success:

His potential move to Napoli is not simply a transfer of a high-profile player, but the potential arrival of a leader, technician and serial winner — attributes Napoli view as central to retaining their domestic dominance and advancing further in Europe.

Napoli move would reshape Serie A narrative

If De Bruyne does make the move, it would be a statement of intent for Serie A as a whole. With Conte at the helm and a core squad brimming with quality, Napoli aim not just to defend their title but to assert themselves as consistent European contenders. De Bruyne’s arrival would underline that ambition.

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For now, it depends on the Belgian’s own decision. But as De Laurentiis made clear, Napoli are ready and waiting.

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De Bruyne leaving still feels surreal. For ten years, he’s been the heartbeat of Man City, the tempo-setter, the game-changer, the creator who always found a way. Watching him wave goodbye at the Etihad was a reminder that even in this era of relentless success, nothing lasts forever.

The link to Napoli makes sense. He still has Champions League ambition, and Serie A offers him a stage with fewer physical demands but just as much tactical intrigue. Under Antonio Conte, he would thrive — disciplined structure behind him, freedom in the final third.

Would City fans have loved to see him extend his City stay or take on a leadership role within the Premier League? Absolutely. But if it’s time, then let it be on his terms. And if it’s Napoli, then at least he’s still competing at the highest level.

He leaves a legacy, not a gap — though replacing his influence will be one of City’s biggest tasks this summer. Wherever he goes, he’ll remain a part of their story.