Transfer Secret History | De Bruyne s Change of Party: The City s Past Shoes, The Honey Candy

In the press room after the 2025 FA Cup final, Kevin De Bruyne rubbed his tired eyebrows and said the words that shocked the Premier League: "Club World Cup? I may need to be careful. " At that time, the 33-year-old Belgian midfielder was experiencing the most complicated transfer negotiations of his career - the Chicago Flame's dollar offensive and Naples' Champions League dream flashed alternately on his mobile phone screen, and after Juventus' temptation, Liverpool's brief contact, and even Miami International's missed each other, the game that lasted for several months was finally settled on the Apennines.

When De Bruyne announced his departure on Instagram, his wife Michelle was pacifying three children at the Mediterranean resort. The "Kevin De Bruyne Loop" mosaic puzzle at Manchester City's training base has just been unveiled, and the statue plan outside the Etihad Stadium is still in the confidential stage, but these belated honors cannot make up for the cracks in the contract negotiations. "I was disappointed by the club's lack of communication. " He admitted in a post-match interview with a 5-2 victory over Crystal Palace that it was eight days since the announcement of leaving the team, and his family was still on vacation, while he was alone in his mansion in Manchester, organizing the trophy and memories of ten years.

Liverpool's contact made him feel moved, and Anfield's applause was still echoing in his ears, but the Reds' plan to sign Wiltz and Cherki made him realize that he might be a substitute. "Go to Anfield? It takes great courage. " A person familiar with the matter revealed that De Bruyne's team had three informal calls with Liverpool senior executives, but when he learned that he was not the absolute main force, the Belgian decisively turned to overseas options. Juventus' inquiry stayed at the assumption of "if some players leave the team", Galatasaray's interest was flashy, and the Saudi league's lack of commitment to family education despite Emenalo's old friendship made him quickly reject it.

Chicago Flame's quotation is as dazzling as an American blockbuster: the basic salary of $20 million in two years, plus the business share of $5 million in the first year and $2.5 million in the second year, the newly built $100 million training base and the $650 million stadium completed in 2028 are filled with the negotiation table. He was impressed by the joining of former U.S. national team coach Berkard - the athletic director who has surpassed the coach's authority, painted him a blueprint for the role of "player and mentor". "He likes the sports atmosphere in Chicago, and the history of the Bulls and Cubs makes him yearn for. " Sources revealed that De Bruyne even studied the climate in Chicago in winter and found that the MLS season happened to be in summer and his family could return to Europe during the offseason.

But Napoli's Champions League tickets are like magnets. Conte's tactical blueprint outlined on the phone excited him: "Your vision can improve our three forward system to a higher level." Lukaku sent a cheering video of Maradona Stadium in WhatsApp, while Mertens talked about the club's family support for the players. What impressed him the most was De Laurentis' commitment: "We will make you the next Maradona legend." Although the Serie A champion narrowly defeated Inter Milan by only 1 point, the qualification of the Champions League means a direct dialogue with Real Madrid and Bayern - an irresistible temptation for De Bruyne, who is eager to prove Manchester City's mistake.

De Bruyne's wife Michelle's wedding photo in Sorrento is still placed in the living room, and the sunshine in the Gulf of Naples has a natural attraction to the family. When De Laurentis mentioned in the video call that "has found a suitable villa for you at the foot of Mount Vesuvius", although the source denied the claim that "has been purchased", De Bruyne did send his family to visit the school in advance. Compared to Chicago, Naples’ advantage is that it does not need to change the radius of life – a direct flight from Manchester to Naples takes only two hours, and children can continue to receive the European education system, while he himself can continue his peak on the Champions League stage. Rumors that Conte might resign at the end of May had shaken him, but the urgent meeting of Naples sports director Manna dispelled his doubts. "Conte promised to coach for at least two seasons. " Manner's promise gave De Bruyne a reassurance. After the final decision was made, he personally called Behrert of Chicago Flame with apologetic in his tone: "European football is still my heartbeat." And in Naples, fans have begun to make "KDB=New Maradona" banners, waiting for their new idol to make their Champions League qualifiers in August.

When Manchester City teammates flew to Saudi Arabia to participate in the Club World Cup, De Bruyne was adapting to the new jersey at the training base in Naples. The sun shines through the window on his arm’s tattoo – it’s a combination of Manchester City badges and children’s names. The pain of leaving Etihad has not completely dissipated, but the outline of Mount Vesuvius and the ghost of Maradona tells him: a new legend is being written. And the golden dream of Chicago flames eventually became a beautiful episode about life and ideals in his football career.