Kevin De Bruyne is nearing a move to Serie A champions Napoli as a free agent following his departure from Manchester City. Napoli sporting director Giovanni Manna confirmed the Belgian is “pretty close” to joining the club. Joining Napoli will potentially link him up with fellow Premier League exports Romelu Lukaku, Scott McTominay and Billy Gilmour. De Bruyne, 33, recently ended a decade-long spell at City. He won six Premier League titles and the 2023 Champions League at City. Antonio Conte, meanwhile, has confirmed he will remain as Napoli’s head coach after speculation linking him with a return to Juventus. “We have a contract and seeing as we have a shared vision, we don’t have anything else to add. We’re moving forward because we’re serious people,” Conte told Sky Sport. Asked by reporters late on Thursday night, Napoli‘s sporting director Giovanni Manna said that De Bruyne was “pretty close” to joining Romelu Lukaku, Scott McTominay and Billy Gilmour in moving to Italy from the Premier League. Earlier this month De Bruyne ended a 10-year spell at Manchester City, where he won six Premier League titles and the 2023 Champions League. De Bruyne, 33, will have Conte as his coach after he and Napoli ended weeks of speculation by confirming that he would stay to defend the Scudetto. “At the end of every season coach and club always get together to assess the past season, to see if there is a shared vision and if there is still desire to continue towards certain goals,” Conte told Sky Sport. “We have a contract and seeing as we have a shared vision, we don’t have anything else to add. We’re moving forward because we’re serious people.”

Luka Modric has ignited fresh rumours of a stunning move to Swansea City following the announcement of his departure from Real Madrid. The 39-year-old midfield legend will leave Madrid when his contract expires at the end of June. It would bring to a close an illustrious 12-year stint with the Spanish giants. Modric recently made headlines for buying a stake in Championship side Swansea, and now, The Sun reports that he has also purchased a mansion in Wales, a move that has only intensified speculation he could join the Swans as a player next season. Despite his age, Modric reportedly has no plans to retire, with his sights set on representing Croatia at the 2026 World Cup. His potential arrival would be a huge coup for Swansea. Swansea finished 11th in the Championship last season. Should the deal materialise, it would mark a remarkable twist in Modric’s career. 

Bayern Munich have confirmed the signing of German international Jonathan Tah on a free transfer from Bayer Leverkusen. The 28-year-old centre-back has signed a contract until June 2029. The contract ends a decade-long spell at Leverkusen where he made 402 appearances. “I’m very happy to be at FC Bayern,” Tah said. “I want to take on responsibility here and work hard every day so that we’re successful as a team and win lots of trophies together. “ Tah began his professional career at Hamburger SV before joining Leverkusen in 2015. He has been capped 35 times by Germany since his debut in 2016. “We’re delighted to welcome Jonathan Tah to FC Bayern,” said Bayern CEO Jan-Christian Dreesen. “As an experienced international and leader, he brings the consistency and quality that will strengthen our defence. He’s a real gain for us – and he’s also proven that he can win titles.”

Malaysian Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim has taken a swipe at Manchester United following their latest post-season embarrassment in Asia. The Red Devils, now managed by Ruben Amorim, were booed off after a shocking  1-0 friendly defeat  to a Southeast Asian XI in Kuala Lumpur on Wednesday. The game capped a season where they finished 15th in the Premier League and failed to win a trophy. Anwar mocked United’s decline on Facebook. “Oh no! Manchester United failed to win a trophy again. Looks like you guys are going to have a ‘headache’ next season,” he wrote.“Hopefully you don’t get relegated to the Championship.” United will play Hong Kong in their final match of the Asian tour on Friday.  However, the fixture at the 40,000-capacity Hong Kong Stadium has yet to sell out.

Manchester City midfielder Phil Foden has opened up about a tough season on and off the pitch, admitting his mental state has been a key issue. Foden, last season’s Premier League Player of the Year, has seen his influence fade this campaign. Despite City’s recent domestic dominance, they will end the season without a major trophy for the first time since 2016/17. The 24-year-old was left on the bench during City’s shock FA Cup final loss to Crystal Palace. Speaking after the game, Foden said:“Obviously it’s been a frustrating season for me. I’ve had a lot of things going on off the pitch mentally.“Sometimes there’s things in life that’s bigger than football and this season I’ve struggled a little bit, but hopefully next year I can get my head mentally right and get back where I left the season before.” Foden previously admitted his “body and mental state was low” earlier in the year. Pep Guardiola has publicly backed the midfielder, especially after he was targeted with abuse during a recent derby clash at Manchester United.

Xabi Alonso returns to Real Madrid as the club’s new manager following Carlo Ancelotti’s departure. With Los Blancos finishing the season trophyless and preparing for the upcoming FIFA Club World Cup, the former midfielder has three key challenges ahead: 1. Restoring Tactical Balance Alonso inherits a squad that struggled with structure and consistency. Ancelotti publicly complained of an unbalanced team, overloaded in attack but exposed at the back, especially following injuries and the unaddressed retirement of Toni Kroos. Alonso must: 2. Managing Star Egos Real Madrid’s dressing room is filled with high-profile names and even higher expectations. Ancelotti thrived at managing personalities like Ronaldo, Bale, and Vinicius, maintaining harmony while producing results. Alonso must: 3. Reversing the Clasico Trend Barcelona humiliated Madrid in all four Clásicos this season, including: Hansi Flick’s Barça used high pressing and tactical fluidity to expose Madrid’s flaws. Alonso must quickly develop a plan to make Madrid competitive again in these marquee matchups. Xabi Alonso appointment has generated excitement, but these three issues will define his early months in charge.