Kevin De Bruyne departed Manchester City this month to join Napoli, marking the end of an illustrious ten years at the Etihad Stadium. However, the Italian champions were not the only club determined to sign the Belgian captain.
Chicago Fire and Napoli were the frontrunners for De Bruyne's signature, according to Sam Lee in The Athletic. The same report states how Juventus, Galatasaray, Al Ahli, and Al Nassr expressed interest, though their proposals were described as "barely serious." A brief conversation also took place with Liverpool, hinting at a potential Premier League stay, but it ultimately failed to materialize.
A key driving force behind De Bruyne’s decision appears to be his motivation to silence doubters at Manchester City. Lee notes that the 33-year-old was partly spurred by the club’s decision not to offer him a new contract, a move that ended his 10-year tenure.
Having won six Premier League titles, a Champions League trophy, and numerous other honours, De Bruyne’s departure was met with widespread tributes, including a statue planned outside the Etihad Stadium. Yet, the lack of a contract extension left the Belgian determined to demonstrate his enduring quality on a new stage.
De Bruyne’s choice of Napoli over Chicago underscores his commitment to remaining at the pinnacle of European football. The move reunites him with international teammate Romelu Lukaku and places him under the tactical guidance of Conte, a coach known for revitalizing careers. The historical weight of Napoli, with its legacy tied to Diego Maradona, adds an extra layer of significance to this transfer.