Kevin De Bruyne ’s departure from Manchester City at the end of the 2024–25 season is now confirmed, and growing evidence suggests a move to Serie A leaders Napoli could be next. A key clue has emerged in Italy, where De Bruyne’s wife, Michele Lacroix, was reportedly spotted house-hunting in Naples, the southern Italian city where Napoli are based. The couple have a personal connection to the region, having married in nearby Sorrento in 2017, a coastal town just south of Naples, further fueling speculation that the Italian champions are in pole position to sign the Belgian star.
De Bruyne Set to Leave Manchester City After a Decade
After a legendary ten-year spell at Manchester City, Kevin De Bruyne will leave the club this summer following confirmation from the club's director of football Txiki Begiristain and CEO Ferran Soriano that his contract will not be renewed. The 33-year-old Belgian midfielder revealed the decision last month and made clear his ambition to keep playing at the top level.
"Honestly, I still think I can perform at this level like I'm showing but I understand that clubs have to make decisions," De Bruyne said. "I'm open for anything (next) because I have to look at the whole picture. I'm looking at sporting reasons, family and everything together and what makes the most sense for me and my family. I still feel like I can play at a good level, but after I'll have to make a decision once I really know a little bit more."
Despite injury setbacks this season, De Bruyne has played 36 matches for City across all competitions, scoring six goals and assisting eight. He could end his City tenure with a third FA Cup title, as they prepare to face Crystal Palace in the final on May 17. During his time at the club, he has won six Premier League titles, a Champions League, and five League Cups.
Napoli Lead the Chase – On and Off the Pitch
According to reports from The Times and Sky Sports, Serie A leaders Napoli have initiated contact with De Bruyne’s representatives regarding a summer move. The club, managed by Antonio Conte, are leading the league and are already assured of a Champions League place for next season, a crucial factor for a player of De Bruyne’s calibre.
In a potentially telling development, Belgian outlet HLN reported that De Bruyne’s wife, Michele, was recently seen house-hunting in Naples. The couple have sentimental ties to the region, having married in Sorrento, a picturesque coastal town near Naples, in 2017. This detail has intensified speculation that the Italian city could be their next home.
Napoli are also hopeful that De Bruyne's strong personal connection with Romelu Lukaku, currently Napoli’s joint top scorer with 12 goals in all competitions, could help sway the midfielder. The two Belgians have played together for years, both at international level and briefly at Chelsea, and they are both represented by Roc Nation Sports, the agency founded by Jay-Z.
Former Belgian teammate Dries Mertens, who played nine seasons at Napoli, is set to be granted honorary citizenship of the city and still lives nearby with his partner Kat Kerkhofs. The Mertens couple attended the De Bruynes’ wedding, further deepening the player's personal link to the region.
Interest From Elsewhere, But Italy Appears First Choice
While Napoli are currently in pole position, other clubs have shown interest. In the Premier League, Aston Villa are said to have made enquiries, while in the United States, Chicago Fire hold the MLS priority option for De Bruyne. The Saudi Pro League is also monitoring the situation closely.
However, the combination of family considerations, Champions League football, and personal connections all appear to favour Napoli.
As De Bruyne weighs up what could be the final major move of his illustrious career, Michele Lacroix's activities in Naples combined with the club’s overtures, may be the clearest signal yet of what comes next.
De Bruyne Set to Leave Manchester City After a Decade
After a legendary ten-year spell at Manchester City, Kevin De Bruyne will leave the club this summer following confirmation from the club's director of football Txiki Begiristain and CEO Ferran Soriano that his contract will not be renewed. The 33-year-old Belgian midfielder revealed the decision last month and made clear his ambition to keep playing at the top level.
"Honestly, I still think I can perform at this level like I'm showing but I understand that clubs have to make decisions," De Bruyne said. "I'm open for anything (next) because I have to look at the whole picture. I'm looking at sporting reasons, family and everything together and what makes the most sense for me and my family. I still feel like I can play at a good level, but after I'll have to make a decision once I really know a little bit more."
Despite injury setbacks this season, De Bruyne has played 36 matches for City across all competitions, scoring six goals and assisting eight. He could end his City tenure with a third FA Cup title, as they prepare to face Crystal Palace in the final on May 17. During his time at the club, he has won six Premier League titles, a Champions League, and five League Cups.
Napoli Lead the Chase – On and Off the Pitch
According to reports from The Times and Sky Sports, Serie A leaders Napoli have initiated contact with De Bruyne’s representatives regarding a summer move. The club, managed by Antonio Conte, are leading the league and are already assured of a Champions League place for next season, a crucial factor for a player of De Bruyne’s calibre.
In a potentially telling development, Belgian outlet HLN reported that De Bruyne’s wife, Michele, was recently seen house-hunting in Naples. The couple have sentimental ties to the region, having married in Sorrento, a picturesque coastal town near Naples, in 2017. This detail has intensified speculation that the Italian city could be their next home.
Napoli are also hopeful that De Bruyne's strong personal connection with Romelu Lukaku, currently Napoli’s joint top scorer with 12 goals in all competitions, could help sway the midfielder. The two Belgians have played together for years, both at international level and briefly at Chelsea, and they are both represented by Roc Nation Sports, the agency founded by Jay-Z.
Former Belgian teammate Dries Mertens, who played nine seasons at Napoli, is set to be granted honorary citizenship of the city and still lives nearby with his partner Kat Kerkhofs. The Mertens couple attended the De Bruynes’ wedding, further deepening the player's personal link to the region.
Interest From Elsewhere, But Italy Appears First Choice
While Napoli are currently in pole position, other clubs have shown interest. In the Premier League, Aston Villa are said to have made enquiries, while in the United States, Chicago Fire hold the MLS priority option for De Bruyne. The Saudi Pro League is also monitoring the situation closely.
However, the combination of family considerations, Champions League football, and personal connections all appear to favour Napoli.
As De Bruyne weighs up what could be the final major move of his illustrious career, Michele Lacroix's activities in Naples combined with the club’s overtures, may be the clearest signal yet of what comes next.
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