Belgian star Kevin De Bruyne has completed a move to Serie A champions Napoli following his release from Manchester City, club president Aurelio De Laurentiis confirmed on Thursday.
The 33-year-old midfielder joins the Italian giants on a free transfer, signing a two-year contract with an option for a third. De Laurentiis, also a prominent film producer, announced the signing with a photo of himself and De Bruyne shaking hands, captioned, “Welcome Kevin!”
De Bruyne links up with fellow Belgium international Romelu Lukaku and former Manchester United midfielder Scott McTominay at the Diego Armando Maradona Stadium, adding star power to a squad aiming to defend their Scudetto and compete in the expanded UEFA Champions League next season.
The move marks the end of a trophy-laden decade for De Bruyne at Manchester City under Pep Guardiola, where he secured six Premier League titles and lifted the Champions League in 2023. Despite his success, recurring hamstring injuries have limited his playing time in recent seasons.
Napoli, now under the leadership of Antonio Conte, clinched the Serie A title on the final day of the season, narrowly beating Inter Milan. With no European fixtures last term, they now face the challenge of balancing domestic and continental competitions.
De Bruyne’s arrival is seen as a major coup for Napoli, as they reinforce their midfield with one of Europe’s most experienced and creative players ahead of a demanding 2025–26 campaign.
Written By Rodney Mbua
