June 12, (THEWILL) – Napoli have completed the signing of Kevin De Bruyne on a free transfer after the Belgian midfielder’s contract with Manchester City expired at the end of June. The 33-year-old announced his departure from the Etihad Stadium in April, bringing an end to his decade-long association with the English Premier League champions. Club president, Aurelio De Laurentiis, confirmed the acquisition on social media, welcoming the former City captain to the Serie A title holders.
Antonio Conte’s side moved quickly to address their creative deficit following Khvicha Kvaratskhelia’s January departure to Paris Saint-Germain. The Italian giants had their approach for Manchester United winger, Alejandro Garnacho, rejected earlier this year, prompting them to target the experienced Belgian international. De Bruyne underwent medical examinations in Naples on Wednesday, before putting pen to paper on his contract, which runs until June 2027.
The move represents a significant coup for Napoli, who have claimed two Serie A titles in the past three seasons. Their latest championship triumph was built around the contributions of former Premier League stars Romelu Lukaku and Scott McTominay, both of whom played crucial roles in their domestic success. De Bruyne becomes the latest high-profile addition to Conte’s squad overhaul ahead of the next football campaign.
De Bruyne made 422 appearances for City after joining from Wolfsburg in 2015, contributing 108 goals and 177 assists across all competitions. He won six EPL titles and the UEFA Champions League in 2023, earning EPL Player of the Season honours twice. City confirmed last month they will erect a statue in his honour outside the Etihad Stadium.
Several Major League Soccer clubs, including Inter Miami, Chicago Fire, NYCFC and DC United, had registered interest in De Bruyne’s services. Miami held his MLS discovery rights but could not accommodate him due to their three designated player slots being occupied by Lionel Messi, Sergio Busquets and Jordi Alba. The Belgian had also received approaches from Saudi Arabian clubs but ultimately chose to continue his European career with the Partenopei.
Jude Obafemi is a versatile senior Correspondent at THEWILL Newspapers, excelling in sourcing, researching, and delivering sports news stories for both print and digital publications.
