Kevin De Bruyne Joins Napoli in Stunning Free Transfer After Manchester City Departure
In one of the most dramatic transfer moves of the summer, Kevin De Bruyne has signed for Serie A side Napoli following his departure from Manchester City. The Belgian superstar, widely regarded as one of the finest midfielders of his generation, joins the Italian giants on a free transfer after a decade of success in England.
Napoli president Aurelio De Laurentiis confirmed the signing on Thursday, revealing that the club has reached a full agreement with the 33-year-old. De Bruyne has reportedly committed to a two-year deal, with an option to extend for a third season, signaling Napoli’s intent to build a formidable squad capable of challenging on all fronts.
“Kevin is a world-class player with immense experience and leadership,” said De Laurentiis in a club statement. “We are thrilled to welcome him to Napoli. His arrival is a clear message that we are not just here to defend our domestic title — we want to make our mark in Europe.”
De Bruyne leaves Manchester City after an illustrious 10-year spell that saw him win six Premier League titles, two FA Cups, five League Cups, and the coveted UEFA Champions League in 2023. Known for his vision, passing range, and ability to dictate play, De Bruyne was a cornerstone of Pep Guardiola’s dominant City side.
Despite enduring injury setbacks in recent seasons, including a hamstring issue that limited his appearances in the 2024–25 campaign, De Bruyne’s pedigree remains unquestioned. His move to Napoli is seen as a major coup for the Italian club, which is undergoing a tactical and personnel overhaul ahead of the new season.
De Bruyne will be joined in Naples by fellow high-profile signings Romelu Lukaku and Scott McTominay, both of whom were unveiled earlier this month. The trio adds experience and steel to a side already brimming with attacking flair.
Napoli are riding high after their dramatic Serie A title victory over Inter Milan last season, and with Champions League ambitions looming large, the signing of De Bruyne is a clear signal of intent.
The move also reunites De Bruyne with Lukaku, his long-time Belgian national teammate. The pair are expected to play central roles in manager Francesco Calzona’s system, providing both leadership and technical brilliance as Napoli look to translate domestic success into European glory.
Fans in Naples have already begun celebrating what many are calling the biggest signing in the club’s modern history. Banners bearing De Bruyne’s name have been unfurled across the city, and the club shop has reported a surge in pre-orders for his No. 17 shirt.
While questions remain about De Bruyne’s fitness and ability to adapt to the more tactical rigors of Serie A, few doubt his ability to elevate Napoli to the next level.
As the dust settles on his Manchester City departure, Kevin De Bruyne begins a bold new chapter — this time under the Mediterranean sun, where Napoli dreams of conquering Europe again.