Kevin De Bruyne has completed a move to Napoli, joining the Serie A champions on a free transfer after bringing his 10-year spell at Manchester City to an end.
The 33-year-old Belgian midfielder landed in Italy on Thursday, where he was greeted by hundreds of excited Napoli fans before meeting with club president Aurelio De Laurentiis. His arrival has sparked immediate excitement in Naples, as he becomes one of the most high-profile signings in Italian football this summer.
De Bruyne had options on the table after confirming his Manchester City exit. While a switch to Major League Soccer side Chicago Fire was discussed, the playmaker made it clear he still sees himself competing at the highest level. That belief ultimately led him to Naples, where he’ll now play a key role for a side that recently clinched their second Serie A title in three seasons.
The Belgian international will also be reunited with his national team colleague, Romelu Lukaku, who is already part of Napoli’s squad. The club officially welcomed De Bruyne with a short but emphatic statement on social media, saying: “Kevin is proud to be one of us!”
De Bruyne’s move brings an end to a remarkable decade at Manchester City, where he played a pivotal role in the club’s dominance both in England and Europe. During his time at the Etihad, he won a total of 19 trophies, including six Premier League titles and the Champions League.
Across 422 appearances for City, De Bruyne scored 108 goals and delivered 177 assists , numbers that place him among the most influential midfielders of his generation. Although recent seasons were disrupted by injuries, his impact remained undeniable whenever he featured.
As he begins a new chapter in Serie A, Napoli fans will be eager to see what De Bruyne brings to a team already brimming with talent and ambition. With Champions League football on the horizon and a title to defend, the stage is set for the Belgian to continue making history , this time, in blue of a different shade.
