Belgian ace Kevin de Bruyne has options to make a big money move to MLS outfit Chicago Fire or the cash-rich Saudi Pro League, after becoming a free agent.
De Bruyne is winding down his contract with Manchester City, which ends next month. He made over 400 appearances and bagged more than 100 goals, yet he could be back in action for the club and tackle Juventus at the 2025 FIFA Club World Cup finals next month.
That scenario would occur if De Bruyne finds a new club that allows him to sign a short-term contract at City, specifically to compete in the Club World Cup tournament.
He will be highly sought after across the globe, although a switch to the Italian top tier does present a major stumbling block. The 33-year-old’s salary demands would make him the highest paid player in Serie A if he arrived, which would surpass Juve forward Dusan Vlahovic’s annual salary of €12 million (US$13.6m).
Conte's a fan
League leaders Napoli, who have former Juve boss Antonio Conte at the helm, have made serious inquiries about De Bruyne. With Juventus also developing some interest in his acquisition.
It would appear to be a highly ambitious signing for Juventus for a player who has been injury ravaged this term and is arguably past his peak.
De Bruyne has played inside the Allianz Stadium in Turin this term, finishing on the losing side as Juve strolled to a 2-0 Champions League success last December.
Juve need to secure Champions League soccer next season before sporting director Cristiano Giuntoli’s summer wishlist can be taken seriously. He has been enthusiastically drawing up an extensive list of expensive targets, and now a top four finish is within their grasp.
The Bianconeri only need to beat relegation-threatened Venezia at the weekend, in their final Serie A match this term, to beat rivals AS Roma and Lazio to the last Champions League berth.
Coach journey
There remains uncertainty about who will be the Juventus head coach next season, with Conte, ex-Barcelona boss Xavi, former Italy manager Roberto Mancini and Atalanta’s coach Gian Piero Gasperini all rumoured to be in the mix.
With Conte believed to have a fractious working relationship with Napoli chairman Aurelio De Laurentiis, the ex-Juve player and manager could potentially tear up his contract and be lured back to Juve in the summer.
Conte, who is on the brink of lifting the Scudetto in his maiden season at Napoli, is likely to push for the signature of free-scoring De Bruyne should he remain at Napoli or jump ship to rejoin Juventus.
Although whether Giuntoli would sanction another highly-paid player remains to be seen. He was lenient with Thiago Motta, who insisted on splashing the cash last summer with many pricey transfers having failed in a Juve jersey.