Kevin De Bruyne Completes Napoli Move After Manchester City Exit

Image source: Getty Images

Kevin De Bruyne has officially joined Napoli, marking a significant shift in his illustrious career after leaving Manchester City at the end of the Premier League season. The Belgian midfielder, known for his exceptional playmaking skills, will now be under the guidance of former Chelsea and Tottenham manager Antonio Conte, who currently leads the Italian champions.

A Strategic Move

De Bruyne's transfer to Napoli on a free deal comes after he turned down an offer from Major League Soccer club Chicago Fire. This move not only allows him to continue competing at the highest level but also ensures his participation in the Champions League next season. Napoli welcomed their new star with a creative announcement, featuring a computer-generated image of De Bruyne seated on a throne, crowned as 'King Kev'.

Legacy at Manchester City

After a decade at Manchester City, De Bruyne leaves behind a legacy of 19 major trophies, including six Premier League titles, five League Cups, and two FA Cups. His crowning achievement was helping City secure their first Champions League title in 2023, completing a historic Treble. De Bruyne made 422 appearances for City, scoring 108 goals, and was instrumental in their success under Pep Guardiola.

Emotional Farewell

De Bruyne's departure was announced before the season's end, and he bid an emotional farewell at the Etihad Stadium following his final home league match against Bournemouth in May. Reflecting on his time at City, De Bruyne expressed his gratitude, stating, 'It's been unbelievable to have the 10 years that I had with everything that happened here. It's been an unbelievable ride and an absolute pleasure.'

Napoli's New Era

At Napoli, De Bruyne joins a squad that narrowly clinched the Serie A title last season. He will link up with former Premier League midfielders Scott McTominay and Billy Gilmour, adding depth and experience to the team. Napoli fans are eager to see how De Bruyne's vision and creativity will elevate their performance in both domestic and European competitions.

Looking Ahead

Manchester City has already begun filling the void left by De Bruyne, signing midfielders Tijjani Reijnders from AC Milan and Rayan Cherki from Lyon. The potential for a Champions League clash between City and Napoli next season adds an exciting narrative to De Bruyne's new journey.

Related Topics

• Napoli
• European Football
• Manchester City
• Football Transfers

For more updates on football transfers and the latest news, visit our dedicated page.