Kevin De Bruyne seriously considered joining another club before deciding to continue his career with Napoli following his departure from Manchester City.
The superstar went into the 2024/25 campaign knowing that he would have to perform to earn himself a new deal at the Etihad Stadium; however, the midfielder’s season was hit by injury again, and that was a factor in Man City deciding not to offer De Bruyne a new contract.
This left the 34-year-old assessing his options towards the end of last season, and there were several clubs interested in the Belgian before Napoli eventually secured the City legend.
It is now being reported that De Bruyne was left “seriously impressed” by one club in particular, but it was not enough to quench the fire of wanting to continue competing at the Champions League level.
Kevin De Bruyne in action during Fulham v Manchester City
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Kevin De Bruyne was very impressed with the Chicago Fire project
Fenerbahce showed interest in De Bruyne ahead of the summer transfer window, but at one stage, it looked certain that the Man City legend would be moving to Chicago Fire, as the MLS franchise had an obsession with signing the Premier League icon.
The American club would have been devastated when they were informed that De Bruyne would be moving to Napoli; however, they may find some comfort in the fact that the Belgium international was left “seriously impressed” by their project, reports The Athletic.
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“MLS club Chicago Fire came the closest to rivalling Napoli for his signature — he was seriously impressed by them and it was a difficult decision not to go there, but the chance to remain in the Champions League and play under Antonio Conte lit up a certain part of his brain. The same part that felt he deserved a new deal at City,” Jordan Campbell wrote.
Although De Bruyne is now a Napoli player, the Chicago Fire will now feel that they have a chance of signing the superstar once his contract in Italy expires and if he decides to continue playing.
This season felt like it was too soon for the midfielder to be leaving Europe, and the Man City legend will be looking to remind his old club of this on Thursday night.
Kevin de Bruyne in action during ACF Fiorentina v SSC Napoli.
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Why Napoli is likely to be Kevin De Bruyne’s last club
De Bruyne has a contract at Napoli until 2027, but the Italian champions have the option to extend that by an extra year.
If the Belgian sees that deal out, there is a good chance that the then 37 may hang up his boots, as the midfielder has nothing left to prove in the sport and has had to deal with several injuries over recent seasons.
If that continues throughout his time in Naples, it may be the Man City legend’s sign to call time on his incredible career, but only time will tell if this is the case, as the Belgian may also want to finish his playing days at a club in his home nation, such as Genk.