Premier League champions Liverpool have made an approach for Manchester City’s Kevin De Bruyne, who will leave the Etihad next month.
The Belgian midfielder’s contract status has been one of the hot topics of this season, with rumours constantly swirling over whether or not he would remain with the Cityzens. Ultimately, it came to light that City’s skipper would leave the club after an iconic career with them.
Liverpool found themselves in similar circumstances, with three key players all coming to the end of their contracts. After securing Virgil Van Dijk and Mohamed Salah’s futures, the Reds can now focus on bolstering their squad and have seemingly identified De Bruyne as one player on their radar.
This comes after David Beckham’s Inter Miami relinquished the MLS’s discovery rights on the Belgian, seeing Chicago Fire take the advantage in his signature.
Liverpool Joined by Italian Giants in De Bruyne Hunt.
Arne Slot’s side is not the only team tracking De Bruyne ahead of his contract expiry date. According to Italian journalist Gianluca DiMarzio, Serie A side Napoli have made a concrete offer to the midfielder in a bold move from the Italian club.
Landing a player like De Bruyne would certainly be a statement from the Azzurri, who, like Liverpool, hold the advantage in signing him, given he wants to stay in Europe.
Despite the announcement that the skipper would be leaving the Etihad, there has still been a developing saga in his future, with the 33-year-old asking for an extension after his surprise at their decision not to offer him one. MLS sides Inter Miami and Chicago Fire have also been battling over his signature in recent weeks.
Liverpool or Napoli for De Bruyne?
Both clubs would be suitable destinations for the Belgian, who has the technical ability to remain in Europe’s top leagues. However, one concern lies in his fitness, which has seen the number of games he has played per season decrease due to injuries.
Not only do they hold the advantage of the level of football the City captain desires, but they also hold a personal advantage for the midfielder. Growing up, the 33-year-old supported Liverpool, and that move could see him fulfil one of his childhood dreams. Antonio Conte’s side holds some of the cards themselves, with the midfielder’s compatriot Romelu Lukaku on the books there, potentially playing a hand in swaying his decision also.