De Bruyne Set to Finalize Three-Year Deal with Napoli

Kevin De Bruyne is close to joining Napoli. His lawyers are in Naples to finish a three-year contract. The Serie A champions hope to sign him in the next 48 hours.

WHAT HAPPENED?

The 33-year-old midfielder is leaving Manchester City for the Italian champions. De Bruyne played his last game for City against Fulham on Sunday. This ends his successful 10 years with the club. Napoli‘s president, Aurelio De Laurentiis, talked openly about the transfer. He said De Bruyne “has already bought a house in Naples.” De Laurentiis also said he spoke with the player and his family. This move happened after City told De Bruyne he wouldn’t get a new contract at the end of June.

THE BIGGER PICTURE

Napoli just won the Serie A title with 82 points, beating Inter Milan by one point. They finished with 24 wins, 10 draws, and only four losses. Their success gives them a spot in the next UEFA Champions League. This makes Napoli attractive to top players like De Bruyne. His addition will greatly improve their midfield, which already helped them dominate Italian football. Antonio Conte’s side led the league for more than 28 matchdays.

FAMILY CONSIDERATIONS

Reports say family played a big role in De Bruyne’s decision to move. His wife, Michel Lacroix, was seen in Naples two weeks ago, reportedly house-hunting. Italy is special for the couple, as they married in Sorrento, near Naples. De Bruyne will also join Belgium teammate Romelu Lukaku at the Diego Armando Maradona Stadium. This may have influenced his decision to pick Napoli over other options.

WHAT NEXT FOR DE BRUYNE?

After the deal, De Bruyne will start a new chapter in his career. He won six Premier League titles and a Champions League with City. Now, he can win Italian trophies too. At 33 (turning 34 on June 28), he believes he can still play at the top level in Europe. This was why he turned down offers from MLS clubs, including Chicago Fire FC. With Napoli defending their Serie A title and playing in the Champions League, De Bruyne will face new challenges. He aims to keep his status as a top midfielder.