Kevin De Bruyne Joins Napoli on Free Transfer from Man City

Napoli have officially secured the services of Belgian midfielder Kevin De Bruyne after his release from Manchester City. The transfer was confirmed by club president Aurelio De Laurentiis, who shared an image on social media of himself with De Bruyne, accompanied by a welcome message.

De Bruyne, who is 33, is understood to have agreed to a two-year contract with Napoli, including an optional extension for a third season. He joins a squad that already features Belgium international Romelu Lukaku and former Manchester United midfielder Scott McTominay, both of whom were signed during Napoli’s recent recruitment drive aimed at strengthening their core ahead of a demanding season.

A Decade of Success in Manchester Comes to a Close

De Bruyne departed Manchester City this summer following ten years of consistent contributions at the highest level. Under the management of Pep Guardiola, he played a key role in City’s domestic and European dominance, securing six Premier League championships and lifting the UEFA Champions League trophy in 2023.

Despite his achievements, recent seasons have been disrupted by injuries. The midfielder missed significant playing time over the past two campaigns due to recurring hamstring issues. These setbacks limited his appearances during critical phases of the season, influencing his eventual exit from City at the conclusion of his contract.

Napoli Build for a Dual Campaign in Serie A and Europe

Napoli, now under the leadership of Antonio Conte, are looking to reinforce their squad ahead of a challenging 2025–26 season that will include both domestic and European commitments. The Italian side clinched the Serie A title on the final day of the campaign, edging out Inter Milan to claim their second championship in three seasons.

The previous title-winning campaign was notable for the absence of European competition, which allowed Napoli to focus solely on league play. In contrast, their upcoming season will feature participation in the newly expanded UEFA Champions League, increasing the volume of fixtures and placing greater physical and tactical demands on the squad.

Conte and the Napoli management have responded by targeting experienced international players to support the team’s dual ambitions. De Bruyne’s arrival adds proven quality and leadership to a midfield unit expected to contend on multiple fronts, while also providing valuable depth as Napoli prepare for a more congested calendar.