Kevin De Bruyne has officially completed his move to Italian champions Napoli, ending a legendary 10-year spell at Manchester City.
The Belgian midfielder joined the Serie A side on a free transfer and would work under head coach Antonio Conte ahead of what promises to be a compelling campaign in Naples.
Napoli announced the signing in dramatic fashion, releasing a computer-generated image of De Bruyne seated on a throne wearing a crown. The caption read “King Kev is here,” signalling the club’s excitement over their high-profile addition.
De Bruyne’s departure from City had been confirmed before the end of the 2024/25 season. His emotional farewell at the Etihad Stadium during the club’s final home match against Bournemouth left fans teary-eyed.
Arriving from Wolfsburg in 2015, De Bruyne quickly became the heart of Pep Guardiola’s team and one of the Premier League’s most consistent and creative forces.
Over a decade, he helped City lift 19 major trophies; six Premier League titles, five EFL Cups, two FA Cups, and their historic first UEFA Champions League title in 2023.
That win was part of a memorable treble, making City only the second English club after Manchester United in 1999 to achieve this.
Farewell Message
In a farewell message, De Bruyne expressed gratitude for his time in Manchester, expressing excitement over his successful career over 10 year period.
“It’s been unbelievable to have the 10 years that I had with everything that happened here. It’s been an unbelievable ride and an absolute pleasure. It was a joy working really hard to try and help create something that brought the club the success we enjoyed. I’m super proud to have played a part in that. Kevin De Bruyne, former Manchester City player
Kelvin De Bruyne
The Belgian International further underscored the significance of Manchester role has played his career span, stating that it has been “my home and my family’s home for these past 10 years.”
He played his last game in City’s away win at Fulham.
Choosing UCL Over MLS
De Bruyne attracted interest from clubs across the globe. Among them, Major League Soccer’s Chicago Fire made a strong push with a lucrative offer, hoping to lure the Belgian stateside.
However, De Bruyne opted to remain in Europe to continue competing at the highest level. Napoli offered both Champions League football and the chance to contribute to a title-winning side under a top manager in Conte; an opportunity too good to pass up.
Conte, who previously managed Chelsea and Tottenham, took over at Napoli after their narrow triumph in last season’s thrilling Serie A title race. Known for his tactical precision and winning mentality, Conte is expected to make full use of De Bruyne’s experience and creativity.
Napoli’s Midfield
De Bruyne will not be alone in bringing Premier League know-how to Naples. He joins a midfield group that includes former Manchester United player Scott McTominay and Scottish international Billy Gilmour, both of whom were instrumental in Napoli’s title-winning campaign.
Napoli’s midfield already proved dominant in Serie A, but the arrival of De Bruyne takes it to another level. His ability to control tempo, unlock defenses, and lead by example will be crucial as the club looks to make a serious push in Europe.
Back in Manchester, the club has already begun rebuilding in the wake of De Bruyne’s exit. Pep Guardiola’s side moved swiftly to secure the signings of Tijjani Reijnders from AC Milan and Rayan Cherki from Lyon. Both players bring youth, versatility, and attacking flair. These are qualities City hope will help maintain their creative spark.
At 33, De Bruyne’s move to Napoli is a bold statement. Rather than winding down his career in a less competitive league, the Belgian is embracing a new challenge at the top level.
His arrival is not just a transfer — it’s a symbol of Napoli’s intent to cement their place among Europe’s elite.
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