Kevin De Bruyne to Stay in England?! Shock Twist Throws Midfielder’s Future into Doubt After Manchester City Exit

Napoli and Chicago Fire Still in the Race – But Could the Premier League Legend Make a Stunning Switch to Another English Club?

Kevin De Bruyne is no longer a Manchester City player. That fact alone feels surreal to many fans who have watched the Belgian maestro dictate the tempo of English football for nearly a decade. With his contract expiring this summer and no renewal on the table, many expected him to ride off into the sunset — possibly toward Italy or the United States.

But in a dramatic and unexpected twist, fresh reports now suggest Kevin De Bruyne might not be leaving England at all. And if that’s the case, the question on everyone’s lips is: where could he end up?

What Happened? A Napoli Deal That Isn’t Quite There Yet

According to The Independent, Napoli were frontrunners to sign Kevin De Bruyne after his Manchester City exit. The Serie A giants had earmarked him as a marquee summer addition, eager to bring in a proven leader and technician to bolster their midfield. With their eyes set on reclaiming the Scudetto and making a deep Champions League run, Kevin De Bruyne fit the bill perfectly.

Napoli owner Aurelio De Laurentiis reportedly held a 25-minute private phone call with the player, pitching both the sporting project and the lifestyle that Naples could offer him. The offer on the table is said to be extremely lucrative — matching or even surpassing some of the top salaries in Italy.

But despite the big money and the prestige, something isn’t quite clicking.

The Antonio Conte Factor

One of the key holdups in the Napoli-De Bruyne deal is the club’s managerial situation. Antonio Conte, the former Juventus, Chelsea, and Inter boss, is widely expected to take the reins in Naples — but no official confirmation has been made.

For a player of Kevin De Bruyne’s stature, knowing exactly who he will be working under is critical. He’s 33 now, with a long list of titles under his belt. This next move may be the last major chapter of his career, and he won’t take a gamble on a project that doesn’t have clear direction.

The uncertainty around Napoli’s bench has reportedly caused Kevin De Bruyne to hit pause on negotiations, despite the lucrative offer.

MLS Beckons – But Chicago Fire Trail Behind

While Napoli are still in the picture, they’re not alone. Across the Atlantic, Major League Soccer side Chicago Fire have also been pushing for Kevin De Bruyne. The idea of the Belgian pulling strings in midfield in a sold-out Soldier Field has certainly captured imaginations.

MLS has seen a rise in European talent moving across the pond in recent years — from Lionel Messi to Sergio Busquets to Lorenzo Insigne. Kevin De Bruyne would certainly be among the most decorated to make the jump.

But sources suggest that while Kevin De Bruyne is intrigued by the American option, it’s not his immediate priority. The competitiveness of Europe, and specifically the Premier League, may still be too compelling to walk away from just yet.

Kevin De Bruyne to Stay in England?!

Kevin De Bruyne

Here’s where things get really interesting. According to The Independent, Kevin De Bruyne has not ruled out staying in England — and that’s set the rumour mill ablaze.

The most explosive whisper? A potential move to Liverpool.

Yes, you read that right. Liverpool. The same Liverpool that have battled City tooth and nail for the Premier League title across several seasons. A move reminiscent of Carlos Tevez’s switch from Manchester United to City could be on the cards — only this time, the controversy might run even deeper.

Liverpool’s midfield is undergoing a transformation under new boss Arne Slot, and Kevin De Bruyne — even at 33 — would bring unrivalled experience, vision, and big-game composure. Whether financially the deal is feasible remains to be seen, but where there’s a will, there’s often a way.

Did You Know?

De Bruyne earned £400,000 per week at Manchester City, according to BBC Sport, making him the club’s second-highest-paid player behind Erling Haaland. That sort of wage restricts the pool of clubs who can realistically afford him — but a short-term contract with bonuses and commercial add-ons could make things work for a club like Liverpool or even Arsenal.

It’s worth noting that Kevin De Bruyne has shown loyalty to City in the past, but with the exit now official, his priority is said to be the next project — not necessarily the club’s previous rivals.

The Bigger Picture: A Legend’s Next Step

For City fans, the idea of Kevin De Bruyne in another Premier League shirt — especially Liverpool red — would be a difficult one to stomach. He’s been the heartbeat of Pep Guardiola’s side, pulling the strings with metronomic consistency and turning in countless game-winning performances.

In his time at the Etihad, Kevin De Bruyne won:

• 6 Premier League titles

• 2 FA Cups

• 5 League Cups

• 1 Champions League

• Multiple individual accolades including the PFA Player of the Year

But his time at City hasn’t always been smooth sailing. Injuries have plagued his last couple of seasons, and there’s a sense that both player and club were ready for the next chapter. That doesn’t mean the bond is broken — just that it may be time for something new.

What Next for Kevin De Bruyne?

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De Bruyne is in no rush to make a snap decision. Those close to the player say he is “carefully weighing all options” and is prioritizing the right sporting project over money or marketability.

A decision is expected to be made within the next 2–3 weeks. With the summer transfer window heating up, his name will dominate headlines.

Meanwhile, clubs across Europe and North America continue to monitor the situation. Napoli remain hopeful, Chicago Fire are persistent, and now, a group of Premier League clubs are quietly assessing the feasibility of pulling off a shock move.

Final Word

Kevin De Bruyne staying in the Premier League? It seemed unthinkable just a few weeks ago. But now, as the dust begins to settle on his Manchester City exit, all doors appear to be open.

From Naples to Chicago, and possibly back to Anfield, his next step promises to be as dramatic as the career he’s already had.

One thing’s for certain: wherever Kevin De Bruyne lands next, he’ll bring with him the same class, intelligence, and relentless ambition that made him one of the greatest midfielders the English game has ever seen.

Let the saga unfold.