In one of the summer’s most headline-grabbing moves, Kevin De Bruyne has signed with Napoli on a free transfer, ending a glittering 10-year spell at Manchester City. The Belgian maestro will now bring his world-class playmaking abilities to Serie A, having agreed a two-year contract with an option for a third, reportedly earning €10 million net per season.

Napoli Secure Major Transfer Coup

Napoli confirmed the signing on June 12, 2025, unveiling De Bruyne with the tagline "King Kev has landed in Naples." The move marks a major statement of intent from manager Antonio Conte, who is preparing Napoli for a renewed Serie A title challenge and a deep run in the Champions League.

De Bruyne was reportedly pursued by clubs in Saudi Arabia and MLS, but chose to remain at the top level of European football, reuniting with Belgium teammate Romelu Lukaku in the process.

“Napoli is a project I believe in. I’m here to help the team win and to continue competing at the highest level,” De Bruyne said in his first club interview.

Kevin De Bruyne’s Manchester City Legacy

The 33-year-old leaves behind an extraordinary legacy at Manchester City:

• 422 appearances, 108 goals, and 177 assists
• 6 Premier League titles, 5 League Cups, 2 FA Cups, and 1 Champions League
• 2× PFA Player of the Year, 4× Premier League Playmaker of the Season

De Bruyne is also second on the Premier League all-time assist list with 119 assists, behind only Ryan Giggs.

Even in his final season (2024–25), he managed 6 goals and 8 assists in 40 appearances despite being sidelined for months due to a thigh injury.

What De Bruyne Brings to Napoli

With De Bruyne in the squad, Napoli gain:

• A creative midfield leader who can unlock tight defenses
• Elite Champions League experience
• Tactical flexibility in Conte’s attacking setup
• A mentor figure for rising talents like Khvicha Kvaratskhelia and Gianluca Gaetano
  
  

Conte is expected to deploy De Bruyne as a deep-lying playmaker, where his distribution and vision will guide Napoli’s attack.

Impact on Manchester City

De Bruyne's exit officially marks the end of an era for Pep Guardiola’s dominant side. City have already responded by completing the signing of Sverre Nypan from Rosenborg, signaling a new generational transition in midfield.

Final Thoughts

This move is not just a transfer—it’s a landmark event in European football. With Kevin De Bruyne joining Napoli, Serie A gains one of the greatest midfielders of the modern era, while the Belgian veteran finds one last big challenge on Europe’s biggest stage.

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