Player’s representatives held discussions with Liverpool before ultimately choosing Napoli
After a decade of brilliance at Manchester City, De Bruyne became a free agent this summer, choosing not to extend his stay at the Etihad. He didn’t wait to feature at the FIFA Club World Cup, quietly stepping away from the club he helped lead to multiple Premier League titles and a Champions League triumph.
The Belgian maestro, now 33 years old, eventually decided on a move to Napoli, who were crowned Serie A champions in 2025.
But not before weighing up the chance to join Liverpool.
There were “brief discussions” between De Bruyne’s camp and Liverpool, as reported by the Athletic. Initially, De Bruyne was open to staying in England. After 10 years at the Etihad, Manchester had become his home. His three children were born there. A move elsewhere in the Premier League was not out of the question, and Liverpool had just reclaimed the Premier League title.
But Liverpool were already deep in talks to bring in Florian Wirtz, and were also preparing for a meeting with Rayan Cherki – who instead ended up joining Manchester City. With the club seriously considering the signing of both or at least one of those players, and the midfield already packed with talent and youthful energy, De Bruyne would not have been promised a guaranteed starting spot.
For a player still eager to prove his worth, especially to those who let him go, that wasn’t ideal.
Napoli, meanwhile, were also on the verge of winning the Scudetto, offered Champions League football, and were ready to give the Belgian a key role under Antonio Conte. According to reports, fellow Belgian Romelu Lukaku also added the weight of his friendship with De Bruyne. Ultimately the assist-king was won over.
There was also some interest from Chicago Fire in MLS, but that faded as well once Napoli made their intentions clear.
