Kevin De Bruyne has officially joined Napoli as a free agent following his release from Manchester City, Serie A champions Napoli confirmed on Thursday.
Club president Aurelio De Laurentiis announced the signing by posting a photo of himself shaking hands with the Belgian midfielder on social media, alongside the caption “Welcome, Kevin!”
According to reports, De Bruyne has signed a two-year contract with the Italian side, including an option for a third year. At Napoli, he will link up with Belgium teammate Romelu Lukaku and former Manchester United midfielder Scott McTominay.
The 33-year-old departs Manchester City after a glittering ten-year spell in which he became one of the Premier League’s most influential players. Under manager Pep Guardiola, De Bruyne won six Premier League titles and was a key part of the side that lifted the Champions League trophy in 2023.
However, recent seasons have been marred by injury struggles, particularly recurring hamstring issues that sidelined him for extended periods over the last two campaigns.
Napoli’s acquisition of De Bruyne is a major statement of intent as they aim to defend their Serie A title and prepare for the added demands of an expanded Champions League schedule next season.
Under new manager Antonio Conte, Napoli edged Inter Milan on the final day to clinch their second Scudetto in three years. Unlike Inter, who reached the Champions League final before suffering a 5-0 defeat to Paris Saint-Germain, Napoli had no European competition this past season—a factor that may have played to their advantage.
Now, with continental football returning, the addition of one of Europe’s premier midfielders signals the club’s ambition to compete on multiple fronts.
