Manchester City fans will today watch Kevin De Bruyne for the final time in a City shirt.
Emotions ran high earlier this week when Kevin De Bruyne made his last appearance at the Etihad Stadium, with the club putting on a brilliant farewell show after the win over Bournemouth.
But today’s game against Fulham will see De Bruyne make his final ever City appearance.
There will be more emotions for those travelling down to Craven Cottage for the game with Fulham, and De Bruyne himself will surely have a lot of feelings.
De Bruyne’s exit from City is a club decision, and not one he has been particularly happy with.
There was some brief speculation that De Bruyne could actually remain in the Premier League and play for another club.
A few days ago, though, it was reported De Bruyne had decided to play for a club overseas.
And now, it seems he is edging closer to a new club, with De Bruyne now expected to finalise a move to Napoli, who have just won Scudetto for the fourth time in their history.
While it is still gut-wrenching for many that De Bruyne is leaving, some don’t mind this proposed move to Napoli.
Man City fans react as Kevin De Bruyne closes in on Napoli free transfer
There has been massive interest in De Bruyne since he announced he’d be leaving Manchester City.
And that is understandable. While he is no longer the same player he was a few years ago, it’s been clear to see he’s still capable of making things happen for City.
The expectation had long been that he’d go to either Saudi Arabia or the MLS next.
But De Bruyne is still clearly good enough to play for a top club, and Napoli are just that.
On social media, fans have been reacting to De Bruyne’s impending move to Napoli – and many are on board with it as he’ll still be playing at a high level, and in a league that is less physically demanding.
He will also be playing most of his games in a sky blue shirt.
@AtomiicMCFC said: “Napoli are my favourite Italian team. So I’m happy with that.”
@mcfcbwoi said: “Really great move for KDB. I’m not missing a single Napoli from now on.”
@def213 added: “Great fit. Stays with Sky Blue.”
@yonkocity added: “All the best man, he will definitely cook in Serie A. Win those titles my king 👑
@its_comando said: “Happy he’s still a blue.”
The contract offer De Bruyne has from Napoli
De Bruyne is now expected to sign for Napoli, but there is no agreement just yet.
But there is a good offer on the table from the Italian champions, and journalist Fabrizio Romano last night shared what he knows of the situation.
He said on X: “Napoli have planned more contacts to try to seal the agreement early next week, right after his final game with Man City.
“Three-year deal on the table, package worth €27m (£22.6 million) salary in three years, including signing fee. Decision expected by next week.”
That equates to approximately £145,000 per week, which is considerably less than what he’s currently on at City.
He could easily have earned much more in Saudi Arabia or even the MLS, but De Bruyne is clearly very keen to still play at a high level.
