After just one season in Italian football, midfielder Kevin De Bruyne could end his stint with Napoli and seek new challenges in MLS, with two American clubs emerging as favorites.
Kevin De Bruyne‘s time at Napoli might be shorter than expected. After moving to the Italian side in 2025, the 35-year-old Belgian star and Manchester City icon is evaluating an early move to Major League Soccer (MLS). Although his contract in Serie A runs until 2027, the Neapolitan club is open to the possibility of negotiating his transfer to ease their payroll.
The transfer landscape points to two primary destinations. Contrary to initial speculation, Inter Miami has no interest in signing the midfielder. Instead, the race for the player is currently focused on the Chicago Fire and San Diego FC, both of which are closely monitoring the situation and assessing the financial requirements to make a deal happen this window.
Physical challenges in Italy
The player’s first season in Naples was marked by inconsistency. Hampered by recurring muscle injuries, De Bruyne saw his minutes strictly managed, starting only 13 matches. Despite the series of physical setbacks, the midfielder still managed to post decent numbers, recording five goals and two assists in just over 1,100 minutes on the pitch for the club.
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His departure will ultimately depend on an interested club reaching a financial agreement with Napoli and presenting a project that convinces the veteran playmaker.
Decision and future in MLS
The success of the operation now rests on the player’s final decision. Beyond any potential transfer fee required by Napoli, any agreement with clubs in the United States must comply with league regulations, likely requiring the Belgian to be signed as a Designated Player.
De Bruyne‘s future is at a crossroads: remain in elite European football to fulfill his remaining contract in Italy or embrace a new sporting project in the U.S. at this advanced stage of his career. It is expected that Chicago Fire and San Diego FC will await a definitive signal from the athlete before formalizing their offers.
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