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The eight reasons why Serie A champions Napoli won the race to secure Kevin De Bruyne's signature after leaving Man City.
Kevin De Bruyne’s emotional Manchester City farewell capped off one of the most intriguing transfer sagas of the summer — and ended with the Belgian maestro heading to Serie A champions Napoli.
While Inter Miami, Chicago Fire, Liverpool, and even Juventus were in the mix, it was Napoli who ultimately secured the signature of City’s greatest-ever midfielder.
The move brings a world-class player back to Champions League football and adds a layer of intrigue to next season’s European campaign.
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As originally reported by The Athletic, here are the key reasons Napoli won the race for De Bruyne:
Champions League Football Was Non-Negotiable
De Bruyne believes he still belongs at the highest level — and wanted to prove as much. Napoli’s guaranteed Champions League place, combined with a title-winning squad and ambition to go further in Europe, gave them an edge over MLS clubs and mid-rebuild Premier League sides like Liverpool.
The Conte Factor
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Antonio Conte’s presence was pivotal. Sources say De Bruyne has long admired Conte’s tactical intensity and man-management. Although Conte’s future briefly looked uncertain in May, his continued commitment helped seal the deal.
Emotional Pull of Naples
Kevin and his wife Michele were married in Sorrento in 2018 — just across the bay from Naples. The family already had an emotional connection to the area, and the idea of raising their three children in a familiar Mediterranean setting had strong appeal.
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Influence of Lukaku and Mertens
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De Bruyne’s Belgian compatriots Romelu Lukaku (currently at Napoli) and Dries Mertens (a club legend) were influential. Both sold him on the club’s culture, passion, and support system. Mertens, in particular, provided insight into daily life in Naples.
De Laurentiis Almost Blew It — But the Sporting Project Won Out
Napoli president Aurelio De Laurentiis may have jumped the gun publicly, but sporting director Giovanni Manna ran point behind the scenes with a tactful and persuasive approach. His low-key but detailed pitch reportedly impressed De Bruyne more than any other.
MLS Fell Short on Structure — Despite Big Money
Inter Miami and Chicago Fire were seriously in the hunt, with De Bruyne even leaning toward Chicago at one point. But salary cap limitations, the designated player (DP) rules, and uncertainty over squad fit — especially with Messi, Busquets, and Alba already in Miami — ultimately worked against MLS clubs, despite potentially higher commercial upside.
Disappointment with City Fueled His Motivation
De Bruyne had been hopeful of one more deal at City. The silence from the club’s top brass after his public statement in April, paired with a sense of underappreciation, gave him an extra edge to show he can still perform at the elite level. Napoli provided that platform.
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Timing and Stability
By early June, Napoli were champions and had clarity on their manager and squad. Inter Miami still lacked a DP slot. Liverpool were tied up with younger targets like Florian Wirtz. Juventus and Galatasaray made contact but never came close to firm offers. Napoli’s structure — both sporting and logistical — came together at the perfect time.
Final Thoughts De Bruyne called Gregg Berhalter personally to thank him for Chicago’s push — a sign of the class that made him a legend in Manchester. But in the end, Europe — and Napoli — won out.
Now, De Bruyne will wear the same badge once graced by Maradona, lead a Champions League side, and perhaps prove City wrong for letting him go.
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