EDITORIAL USE ONLY No use with unauthorised audio, video, data, fixture lists, club/league logos or "live" services. Online in-match use limited to 120 images, no video emulation. No use in betting, games or single club/league/player publications. Mandatory Credit: Photo by David Blunsden/Action Plus/Shutterstock (15310147be) Kevin de Bruyne of Manchester City during the lap of honour following his final appearance at the Etihad stadium; Etihad Stadium, Manchester, England; Premier League Football, Manchester City versus Bournemouth. Manchester City v AFC Bournemouth, Premier League, Football, Etihad Stadium, Manchester, UK - 20 May 2025
Kevin De Bruyne is closing in on a move to Napoli (Action Plus/Shutterstock)
Manchester City midfielder Kevin De Bruyne has reached a verbal agreement to join Napoli, according to reports in Italy.
The 33-year-old will become a free agent this summer after City decided not to renew his contract which expires in June.
De Bruyne is adamant that he can still play at the top level and has refused to rule out the prospect of signing for another Premier League club.
The Belgium international has already received plenty of interest with Aston Villa and MLS side Chicago Fire among the clubs who have made an approach.
However, Sky Sport Italy reports that De Bruyne ‘has given his okay’ to Napoli and has made it clear to the club that he and his family are willing to make the move to Italy.
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The report adds that Napoli have not yet reached an agreement over a contract, but the newly crowned Serie A champions are in the driving seat for De Bruyne’s signature.
MANCHESTER, ENGLAND - MAY 20: Kevin De Bruyne of Manchester City is thrown in to the air by team mates after the Premier League match between Manchester City FC and AFC Bournemouth at Etihad Stadium on May 20, 2025 in Manchester, England. (Photo by Visionhaus/Getty Images)
Kevin De Bruyne was given a farewell in his final home game with Manchester City this week (Getty)
On Friday evening, Napoli won Serie A on the final weekend of the season with a 2-0 victory at home to Cagliari.
Speaking during his club’s Serie A title celebrations, Napoli president Aurelio De Laurentiis was asked about a possible move for De Bruyne.
‘Let’s not start making indiscreet demands,’ De Laurentiis replied.
‘We are working to make an even stronger and more competitive team without taking anything away from those who are extraordinary and we will add others of the highest level.’
Napoli striker Romelu Lukaku, who plays alongside De Bruyne with Belgium’s national team, was also asked if he had spoken to the midfielder about joining Antonio Conte’s side.
‘No comment,’ the former Manchester United striker replied with a grin.
Soccer Football - Serie A - Napoli v Cagliari - Stadio Diego Armando Maradona, Naples, Italy - May 23, 2025 Napoli coach Antonio Conte is thrown in the air by his players as they celebrates winning Serie A REUTERS/Matteo Ciambelli TPX IMAGES OF THE DAY
Antonio Conte’s Napoli won the Serie A title on Friday night (Reuters)
Speaking after City’s defeat to Crystal Palace in the FA Cup final last weekend, De Bruyne revealed that the happiness of his family will play a major factor in picking his next club.
‘Everything has to fall into place, for my family and for myself. When you’re 20 years old and making a decision it’s easy, you can move to another country and it’s not a problem,’ De Bruyne said.
‘I want to take the best decision for my kids, for my wife, with school, living, things that you need to think about.
‘I’ll take that decision whenever I’m ready and comfortable so that’s the most important thing, finishing these two games and then after making a decision but it’s not that easy.
‘I have to take care of my family and my kids and my wife. It’s not an easy process.’
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