Can De Bruyne replicate McTominay s success?

When Manchester United sold Scott McTominay to Naples for €30.5 million, almost everyone thought it was just a normal deal. However, after a season, the entire Italian football world was completely conquered by this Scottish man.

He is not only an irreplaceable "iron waist" under Conte, but also led Napoli to regain the Serie A championship after many years with amazing data of 12 goals and 6 assists, and won the 2024/25 Serie A MVP!

Former Manchester United assistant coach Benny McCarthy remorsefully said in an interview that the sale of McTominay was the club's "big mistake" and they "waived a Warrior who was born to fight for Manchester United with a small sum of money."

Now, McTominay's success in Italy has become a new "myth". As the summer window of 2025 opens, a number of superstars such as De Bruyne, Modric and others land in Serie A, an interesting question is placed in front of everyone: Who can become the next "McTominay"? The most dazzling and logical candidate for Kevin De Bruyne is undoubtedly McTominay's new teammate in Naples - Kevin De Bruyne. The Manchester City legend joined the Serie A championship as a free agent, which in itself is a deal that shocks the football world.

With his long-tested world-class vision, tactical wisdom and ability to create goals directly, De Bruyne is the perfect candidate to create immediate results. In a team of champions with a running-in and high morale, he almost booked the number one favorite for the "best signing" of the new season.

Luka Modric

AC Milan also made a major signing, and they signed another legend from Real Madrid - Luka Modric. However, the role of "Magic Flute" and new teammate Samuelle Richie may be different from McTominay.

The outside world generally predicts that they will appear more in the "middle midfielder" position, control the game with passes and rhythm, and provide balance for Allegri's team. They are the team's "brain", but may not rush into the penalty area as frequently as McTominay does to complete the final blow. Their greatness is beyond doubt, but their influence may not be reflected in the goal statistics.

The dark horses that are eager to become famous

If De Bruyne and Modric are "famous and decent", then the real "McTominai's successor" may be born from a group of younger and more thirsty "dark horses".

Inter Milan signed Croatian genius Petal Sucic from Dynamo Zagreb;

another Croatian star, Martin Baturina, who joined the ambitious Como team.

These players do not have the same reputation as De Bruyne, but they have similar traits to McTominay a year ago: young, fighting spirit, and a desire to prove their heart with goals and assists.

The revelation of a name

McTominai's story taught Serie A and even the entire European football world: the value of a signing is not only about fame and value, but also about the players' fighting spirit, adaptability, and determination to change the game.

De Bruyne is undoubtedly the strongest contender for the best signings in the new season. But don't be surprised if there is another less prominent "dark horse" who follows McTominai's footsteps and shocks the Apennines again.