Kevin De Bruyne likely has a new team, moving away from the MLS
Fresh off celebrating a legendary fourth Scudetto, Napoli are wasting no time preparing for their immediate future. Club president Aurelio De Laurentiis is determined not to repeat the mistakes made two years ago, when, after winning the title, the team endured a disastrous season under three different managers (García, Mazzarri, and Calzona) and finished in 10th place. De Laurentiis has publicly stated that he would be happy to continue with Antonio Conte, but made it clear: “No one will be forced to stay.”
Conte, meanwhile, is reportedly tempted by the possibility of returning to Juventus. In anticipation of a potential departure, Napoli have already initiated contact with Massimiliano Allegri, which would mirror the coaching handoff Juventus executed in 2014. That change sparked an era of dominance for the Bianconeri, resulting in five consecutive Serie A titles, four Coppa Italia wins, two Supercoppa Italiana trophies, and two Champions League final appearances.
Regardless of who takes over the managerial role, the next coach is likely to benefit from a major signing: Kevin De Bruyne. Talks with the Belgian midfielder began about a month ago. Thanks to the presence of Romelu Lukaku, encouragement from former Napoli star Dries Mertens, and the efforts of sporting director Giovanni Manna, both sides are reportedly getting closer to an agreement.
De Bruyne would arrive as a free agent, on a two-year deal with a significant signing bonus and a salary well below what he earned in England—but on par with Lukaku, who earns around €6 million net, plus bonuses, at Napoli.
From the player’s perspective, however, money is not the decisive factor. What matters most to De Bruyne is being a key figure in a competitive team that can offer him a starting role in the Champions League. Napoli checks all those boxes and can offer the Belgian playmaker a chance to thrive in a city still buzzing from its recent triumph.
To bolster the attack, Napoli are also targeting another free agent: Jonathan David. The Lille forward has scored 109 goals in 228 appearances, and while there’s strong competition for his signature, Napoli are actively working to convince him. The same goes for Miguel Gutiérrez, a top target to strengthen the flanks.
With a return to the Champions League secured, Napoli know it’s time to raise the bar—and the club is already laying the foundation for its next big project.