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Napoli have pulled off a major signing by securing Belgian midfielder Kevin De Bruyne. The long-serving Manchester City star has officially joined the Italian side, though the contract details remain undisclosed for now. De Bruyne parted ways with City at the end of the season, concluding a remarkable 10-year stint at the club. Under the guidance of Pep Guardiola, he evolved into one of the world’s top midfielders. During his time at Manchester City, De Bruyne played a key role in winning six Premier League titles, two FA Cups, and lifting the Champions League trophy.
In his ten-year stint with the City, he scored 14 major trophies, making him the most preferred player of the club. Upon reaching Rome, the 33-year-old underwent a medical checkup before finalizing the paperwork, marking the end of a remarkable era under Pep Guardiola. Despite a strong finish to the season that fueled speculation he might stay, helping City secure third place in the Premier League and a spot in next season’s Champions League, he has now officially moved on.
New Beginning for the Belgium professional footballer Kevin De Bruyne
Experts suggest that the Belgian star could be an ideal fit for the 4-3-3 formation Napoli adopted in the latter half of last season—a tactical shift that played a key role in securing their fourth Serie A title. Alternatively, manager Antonio Conte may deploy him in his preferred 3-5-2 setup, where De Bruyne could operate in a role similar to the one Christian Eriksen played during Conte's tenure at Inter.
Over his Manchester City career, De Bruyne made 422 appearances, netting 108 goals and providing 177 assists. His trophy haul includes six Premier League titles, five League Cups, two FA Cups, three Community Shields, and a Champions League crown.
Kevin's father seems excited about his son's new beginning with Napoli. Joining De Bruyne in Rome was his father, Herwig, who spoke briefly with reporters outside the clinic where Kevin was undergoing his medical tests. "One of the main reasons he chose Italy was to continue competing at a high level—that has always been his top priority," he explained. When asked whether manager Antonio Conte’s presence played a role in Kevin’s decision, De Bruyne Sr. responded, "For him, the sporting issue is important."
