Top-tier English soccer teams aggressively pursue deal for Kevin De Bruyne
West Ham and Aston Villa have been linked with a move for Manchester City's outgoing midfield maestro, Kevin de Bruyne. According to reports, the Hammers and Villans were among the clubs that reached out to De Bruyne to explore the possibility of signing him within the Premier League.
However, the decorated 33-year-old Belgian has decided against a switch to another English club due to unspecified reasons. Instead, he looks set to join Serie A champions Napoli, as the Italian club continues its celebrations following their fourth Serie A title last week. The chair of Napoli, Aurelio De Laurentiis, claimed that both parties have held discussions, and De Bruyne is believed to have already purchased a house in the region.
"Probably, yes. I know that he has already bought, or rather I believe he has already bought, a beautiful house," De Laurentiis told the media. "This morning I spoke to him, his wife and his nine-year-old son on a video call. We can't say it (confirm the deal), until we have something in black and white. We are serious, that I know."
However, according to Napoli chairman Aurelio De Laurentiis, the deal is not yet confirmed, stating, "Not yet. Until it's in black and white, there will be no confirmation."
De Bruyne's decision to leave City will see him become a free agent on June 30, and he will not travel with Citizens for the FIFA Club World Cup, which kickstarts on June 15. Prior to Naples, De Bruyne had also been linked with a move to MLS with Chicago Fire and new franchise San Diego FC, but recent reports suggest he is focusing on ending his career in Europe.
Napoli is reportedly set to offer De Bruyne a three-year deal with the option of further 12 months, according to Italian outlet Gazzetta Dello Sport. The deal is expected to be worth around €27 million, including a €8 million signing fee and an annual salary of around €4.6 million. Further performance-based bonuses could potentially increase his earnings.
De Bruyne, one of the best players in Premier League history, was instrumental in City's success during his ten-year stay with the club. He will leave the Etihad with numerous trophies, goals, and assists under his belt. However, the final decision by De Bruyne and City manager Pep Guardiola over the future of the player remains a source of speculation.
- Kevin de Bruyne, a key figure in the Premier League's history, appears to be on the brink of a move to Serie A, having reportedly purchased a house in the region, as Napoli continues to celebrate their fourth Serie A title.
- Despite interest from Premier League clubs West Ham and Aston Villa, De Bruyne has decided against a transfer to another English club, turning his focus towards continental leagues and potentially joining Napoli.
- The Italian club Napoli is said to be offering De Bruyne a three-year deal with the option of further 12 months, worth approximately €27 million, as they look to secure the services of the renowned midfielder.
- As De Bruyne gears up for a new challenge, he will leave Manchester City as a multiple trophy winner, having contributed significantly to the club's success during his decade-long tenure.
- The football world eagerly awaits the confirmation of De Bruyne's move to Napoli, with the deal still not officially concluded, as both parties strive to put pen to paper on the agreement.
