How Napoli landed improbable deal for Manchester City star De Bruyne

A number of clubs were immediately linked with a move for the 33-year-old Belgium star after the news of his Man City departure broke, including teams in MLS, Saudi Arabia, others in the Premier League and in Serie A, including Inter and the ambitious Como. 

Various reports over the last few weeks claim that De Bruyne feels that he still has plenty to offer at a competitive level, and that his family life would be a key factor in his decision over his next club. 

Then, on May 8, reports from various outlets in Italy claimed that Napoli had begun discussing the possibility of signing De Bruyne as a free agent. 

The Partenopei became an interesting option for the 33-year-old given their Champions League status and their fight for the 2024-25 Serie A title, which was eventually won in the final round of the season. De Bruyne and his wife were also married in the nearby Sorrento back in 2017. 

His wife has since been to visit the city of Naples, reportedly to look at potential homes and schools for their three children. 

Napoli also had the benefit of having De Bruyne’s long-term international colleague Romelu Lukaku on board. Former Belgium and Napoli star Dries Mertens has also hinted that he has discussed life at Napoli with his former international teammate. 

A number of former Premier League stars have also gone on to star in the current Napoli side, including midfielders Scott McTominay, Frank Anguissa and Billy Gilmour. 

Reported contract details with Napoli 

Napoli have since discussed the details of a potential contract with De Bruyne. 

The latest updates claim that Napoli have offered a three-year deal worth €6m per season in wages in the first two years, which will then drop to €5m for the third and final year. 

If that contract is signed, it will take De Bruyne through to the age of 36. 

Napoli’s near announcement during title celebrations 

Napoli President Aurelio De Laurentiis all but confirmed De Bruyne’s arrival during the team’s open-top bus parade in the city of Naples on Monday. 

ADL claimed that De Bruyne has already bought a house in Italy and that he had spoken with the player, his wife and one of his sons earlier in the day. He did add that he would not officially confirm the player’s arrival ‘until we have something in black and white’. 

Napoli defender Juan Jesus, has already commented: ‘we are waiting for you’ under one of De Bruyne’s latest posts on Instagram. 

Now, according to reports from Matteo Moretto, Fabrizio Romano and others, De Bruyne’s lawyers are heading to Italy to formalise an agreement and to sign off on the financial details of a contract with Napoli. 

The latest updates claim that a formal agreement could be reached within the next 48 hours.