Kevin De Bruyne is reportedly set to join Napoli on a two-year deal after giving the ‘green light’ for the move.
The Belgian will fly to Naples on Thursday for his medical and to take the formal steps needed to confirm his move from Manchester City.
De Bruyne is leaving the Etihad Stadium after 10 years of legendary service, with his contract up on June 30.
Fabrizio Romano reports that Napoli will have the option to extend his contract by a year if they like what they see.
It comes on the same day that City announced the signing of Tijjani Reijnders from AC Milan for an initial £46.5million.
Reijnders is City’s fourth signing of the summer behind Rayan Ait-Nouri, Marcus Bettinelli and Rayan Cherki and joins on a five-year deal.
Kevin De Bruyne will reportedly join Napoli on a two-year deal after giving the ‘green light’
He could face Manchester City in the Champions League after Napoli won the Serie A title
City are already attempting to replace him, having signed Tijjani Reijnders for an initial £46.5m
De Bruyne could face City in the Champions League next season as Napoli enter the competition as Serie A champions.
He will link up with Antonio Conte as well as former Manchester United rival Scott McTominay.
There was interest from the United States but the 33-year-old will continue at the top level. MLS side Chicago Fire had presented interest while Inter Miami initially held his discovery rights.
Teams from the Saudi Pro League weren’t given the same encouragement by De Bruyne’s camp as they had a year prior.
De Bruyne played 421 times for City in a glittering decade, scoring 108 goals, providing 177 assists, and winning every trophy available.
That includes six Premier League titles, one Champions League crown, five League Cups, two FA Cups, three Community Shields, the UEFA Super Cup, and the Club World Cup.
Micah Richards feels City are letting him go too soon. He told Sky Sports after the star’s Etihad farewell: ‘I am just so sad. Speaking from my personal view, to let this sort of player leave on a free, it just doesn’t seem right.
‘He has so much more to offer for this football club. But they have made the decision, and it’s not meant to be.’
De Bruyne waved goodbye to the Etihad alongside his family in May after beating Bournemouth
He will move away from City with his wife Michele Lacroix (left) and their three children
De Bruyne announced his decision to leave City in an emotional letter to fans on social media
He has won six Premier League titles during the club’s dominance under Pep Guardiola
De Bruyne’s leaving statement in April indicated that he perhaps did not want to leave.
‘Whether we like it or not, it’s time to say goodbye,’ he said. ‘Suri, Rome, Mason, Michele, and I are all grateful for what this place has meant to our family. “Manchester” will forever be on our kids’ passports – and more importantly, in each of our hearts.
‘This will always be our HOME. We cannot thank the city, club, staff, teammates, friends, and family enough for this 10-year ride.
‘Every story comes to an end, but this has definitely been the best chapter.’
A move to Naples, where he got married to wife Michele in 2017, appears to have been in the works for a while.
Last month, Napoli president Aurelio De Laurentiis told Rai: ‘I believe he has already bought a beautiful villa. This morning I had a video chat with him, his wife and their nine-year-old boy and it was a lovely picture.’
