Report: Kevin De Bruyne's Napoli move nears completion as talks accelerate

The Belgian midfielder, who has won six Premier League titles and a Champions League crown during his decade-long spell with the Citizens, is poised to join the newly crowned Serie A champions.

Napoli have emerged as the frontrunners to secure De Bruyne's signature after Manchester City declined to offer him a contract extension. The 33-year-old, who has contributed 108 goals and 177 assists in 421 appearances for City, expressed disappointment at the decision but is now focused on a new chapter in Italy.

"I really think Kevin De Bruyne will now join us," said Napoli president Aurelio De Laurentiis, who revealed he spoke with the player, his wife, and child recently. "I'm told he's already bought a beautiful house," he added, though he cautioned, "Until contracts are signed, we must be careful."

Reports indicate De Bruyne's legal team are set to arrive in Naples to finalize a three-year deal, with an agreement potentially sealed within days.

Napoli's ambition to bolster their squad with proven talent is clear, as they have already integrated former Premier League stars like Scott McTominay, Romelu Lukaku, and Billy Gilmour into their title-winning side. McTominay, named Serie A player of the season, and Lukaku were pivotal in Napoli's 2-0 victory over Cagliari that clinched the Scudetto.

De Bruyne's decision to favor Napoli over other suitors, including interest from Liverpool and MLS side Chicago Fire, underscores his desire to continue competing at the highest level in Europe.

Posts on X have highlighted his enthusiasm for the move, with sources noting he received positive feedback from Belgian teammates Romelu Lukaku and Dries Mertens about life in Naples.

Napoli, managed by Antonio Conte, are not stopping with De Bruyne. They have also been linked with Manchester United's Alejandro Garnacho and Nottingham Forest's Callum Hudson-Odoi, aiming to further strengthen their squad for a Champions League campaign.

Manchester City, meanwhile, are already planning for life after De Bruyne. They have targeted Nottingham Forest's Morgan Gibbs-White and AC Milan's Tijjani Reijnders as potential replacements, with Matheus Nunes reportedly offered in a deal to secure Gibbs-White.

De Bruyne's final appearance for City came in a 2-0 win over Fulham, securing third place in the Premier League and a return to the Champions League next season. Fans gave him a hero's send-off, and the club announced plans to erect a statue in his honor outside the Etihad Stadium, cementing his legacy as one of their greatest-ever players.

As De Bruyne prepares to bring his playmaking brilliance to Serie A, Napoli fans eagerly await the arrival of a midfielder who could transform their midfield and elevate their European aspirations.