Naples, Italy – June 13, 2025
In a blockbuster move that has sent shockwaves through the European football world, Kevin De Bruyne has officially signed for SSC Napoli as a free agent following his release from Manchester City. The move was confirmed by Napoli president Aurelio De Laurentiis on Thursday, who shared a photo of himself shaking hands with the Belgian international, accompanied by the simple yet powerful message: “Welcome Kevin!”
De Bruyne Signs Two-Year Deal with Option for Third at Napoli
Sources close to the club have confirmed that De Bruyne has agreed to a two-year contract with the option of a third year, bringing one of Europe’s most influential midfielders to the reigning Serie A champions. The 33-year-old will be reunited with his Belgium national team teammate Romelu Lukaku, who joined Napoli earlier this year, and will line up alongside former Manchester United midfielder Scott McTominay, who signed from West Ham last summer.
De Bruyne’s arrival is a major coup for new head coach Antonio Conte, as Napoli prepare for a challenging 2025–26 season that includes both the defense of their Scudetto and participation in the expanded UEFA Champions League.
Trophy-Laden Career at Manchester City Comes to an End
De Bruyne’s move to Italy marks the end of a legendary spell at Manchester City, where he spent a decade as a pivotal figure under Pep Guardiola. During his time in Manchester, he helped City win:
- 6 Premier League titles
- 2 FA Cups
- 5 League Cups
- 1 UEFA Champions League title (2023)
De Bruyne became widely regarded as one of the best midfielders of his generation, known for his vision, passing range, and game intelligence. However, the last two seasons were marred by recurring hamstring injuries, which sidelined him for long stretches and eventually led to City not renewing his contract.
Napoli Building a Star-Studded Squad for a Demanding Season
Napoli are not resting on their laurels after winning the Serie A title on the final day of the 2024–25 season, narrowly edging out Inter Milan. With Antonio Conte at the helm and European football back on the calendar, the club is actively strengthening its squad to cope with the rigors of a packed fixture list.
The signings of De Bruyne, Lukaku, and McTominay signal the club’s intent to become a serious force in both domestic and continental competitions. De Bruyne is expected to bring leadership, experience, and creativity to a midfield that already boasts talents like Piotr Zieliński, Stanislav Lobotka, and Khvicha Kvaratskhelia pushing forward from wide areas.
De Bruyne’s Impact on and off the Pitch
Even at 33, De Bruyne’s influence remains significant. Despite injury setbacks, he still managed 9 assists and 4 goals in just 18 appearances for City last season. His tactical intelligence and ability to dictate the tempo of a match could prove decisive for Napoli as they attempt to juggle Serie A, Coppa Italia, and Champions League commitments.
Off the pitch, De Bruyne brings global recognition, commercial appeal, and veteran leadership that could inspire Napoli’s younger talents and elevate the club’s brand internationally.
What This Move Means for Serie A and European Football
Kevin De Bruyne’s signing represents one of the most significant free transfers of the 2025 summer window. As Napoli aim to solidify their place among Europe’s elite, bringing in a player of De Bruyne’s pedigree could be the catalyst they need to challenge deep into the Champions League and establish long-term dominance in Italy.
Expect De Bruyne to be a central figure not just on the pitch, but also in elevating Serie A’s global appeal as it continues to attract high-profile talent.
