Romelu Lukaku’s special role in Man City star Kevin De Bruyne’s Napoli transfer – ‘Almost done’
Romelu Lukaku’s relationship with Man City star Kevin De Bruyne has been key to Napoli’s pursuit of the midfielder, with the transfer “almost done”.
The former Chelsea man joined the Sky Blues in 2015 for a then-club record fee of £55million [BBC Sport] from Wolfsburg.
Many were sceptical at the time, but De Bruyne has gone on to become one of the greatest players to ever play the sport.
His wide range of passing and an uncanny knack for a crucial goal have been vital for the Sky Blues’ success over the years.
Which is part of the reason why it is a surprise to see De Bruyne depart City this summer, something he himself was taken aback by [BBC Sport].
But with the midfielder ready to depart, it seems likely that his next destination will be Italy.
Napoli have been in hot pursuit of De Bruyne, and whilst Antonio Conte’s flirtations with Juventus could have put the deal at risk, the Scudetto-winning manager will remain in Naples this season.
As such, RAI TV journalist Aurelio Capaldi confirmed on the Transfers Podcast that the Belgian’s move was “almost done”, and that former Chelsea star Lukaku has been a factor in the deal.
Romelu Lukaku relationship with Kevin De Bruyne key to Napoli deal
Host Duncan Castles asked Capaldi about De Bruyne’s potential move to Napoli, with the club looking to build a Champions League-ready squad, with the Italian journalist revealing former Chelsea and Man United striker Lukaku has played a part in the move.
Capaldi said (29 May, 26.14mins): “He [Conte] likes De Bruyne, he knows that De Bruyne is not what he used to be seven, eight years ago but he’s still a great player.
“These are the last years of his career, but he can make the difference in this Napoli team.
“Conte trusts Lukaku a lot and his good relationship with De Bruyne. Lukaku and De Bruyne talked.”
Capaldi then explains that Aurelio De Laurentiis had talked in an interview about conversations he had with De Bruyne’s wife and son about the prospect of a move to Naples on Skype and “they loved the prospective of signing for Napoli”.
Capaldi then said: “Everything suggests De Bruyne to Napoli is almost done.”
Man City turn to Serie A to replace Kevin De Bruyne
Football Insider Verdict
How does a club replace a player like De Bruyne? There is no like-for-like option on the market for City to target this summer.
But the answer may lie in finding not just one player, but several. Nico Gonzalez was brought to Manchester in January and whilst his chance creation has been lacking so far, his passing is tidy and accurate and there is a lot to work with there.
The Spaniard is the safe and sensible option, but with Pep Guardiola looking for a player with a bit more offensive bite than the former Porto man, AC Milan’s Tijjani Reijnders would be perfect for City.
Only Scott McTominay scored more goals in Serie A from central-midfield than the Dutchman, and his late bursts into the box would give the Sky Blues a more potent alternative to Gonzalez.
De Bruyne’s absence will be sorely felt at the Etihad next season, but signing Reijnders and using him as a difference maker will soften the blow of the Belgian’s departure.