Napoli are on the verge of completing a sensational free transfer for Belgian midfield maestro Kevin De Bruyne, just as head coach Antonio Conte confirmed he will remain with the reigning Serie A champions.
De Bruyne, 33, is set to join a growing list of Premier League exports making the switch to Italy, with Romelu Lukaku, Scott McTominay, and Billy Gilmour already plying their trade in Serie A. Napoli’s sporting director Giovanni Manna revealed on Thursday night that the former Manchester City playmaker is “pretty close” to finalizing his move.
The transfer would mark the end of an illustrious decade-long spell at Manchester City for De Bruyne, who won six Premier League titles and the 2023 UEFA Champions League under Pep Guardiola. His arrival would significantly bolster Napoli’s midfield as they aim to defend their hard-earned Scudetto.
De Bruyne is expected to work under Conte, who put to rest weeks of speculation by confirming his intention to stay at the club. Rumours had swirled about a possible return to Juventus, where the Italian tactician had both played and managed with great success. However, despite past tensions with Napoli president Aurelio De Laurentiis, Conte has opted to continue the project he began just a year ago.
“At the end of every season, the coach and club meet to reflect,” Conte told Sky Sport Italia. “We have a contract and a shared vision. We’re moving forward because we’re serious people.”
Conte, who is tied to Napoli until 2027, has revitalized the team following a dismal 2023 season that saw them fall to 10th in the league. His leadership has brought out the best in new arrivals, especially McTominay, who has flourished in Naples after leaving Manchester United.
With De Bruyne now poised to join, Napoli’s ambitions for continued domestic and European success appear more concrete than ever.
Written By Rodney Mbua
