Napoli has confirmed the signing of Belgian playmaker Kevin De Bruyne on a free transfer following his release from Manchester City. The announcement came directly from club president Aurelio De Laurentiis, who shared a photo on social media shaking hands with De Bruyne and captioned it, “Welcome, Kevin!”
The 33-year-old midfielder has agreed to a two-year contract with an option for a third, according to reports. De Bruyne’s arrival marks a significant boost for the reigning Serie A champions as they prepare to defend their title and face the demanding schedule of an expanded Champions League next season.
De Bruyne leaves behind a glittering legacy at Manchester City, where he spent a decade under Pep Guardiola, collecting six Premier League titles and the 2023 UEFA Champions League trophy. Despite his success, recent years have seen him plagued by injuries, including two major hamstring issues that limited his appearances across the last two campaigns.
Nevertheless, Napoli sees the value in De Bruyne’s vast experience and technical prowess. He joins a growing contingent of high-profile names at the club, including his Belgian compatriot Romelu Lukaku and former Manchester United midfielder Scott McTominay. The trio is expected to form the backbone of Antonio Conte’s new-look Napoli midfield.
Conte’s side claimed the Serie A crown in dramatic fashion on the final day of the season, edging out Inter Milan. While Napoli enjoyed the luxury of a European-free calendar last season, their upcoming campaign will be significantly busier. The addition of De Bruyne signals the club’s intent to not only compete but also excel on multiple fronts.
This transfer also reflects Napoli’s ambition under De Laurentiis, who has long been known for his flair both in cinema and football. Bringing in a global star like De Bruyne underscores a strategy that blends commercial appeal with sporting excellence.
While fitness remains a question mark, if De Bruyne can stay healthy, Napoli might have secured one of the shrewdest deals of the summer. With his vision, passing range, and leadership, he could prove to be a game-changer in Italy, and perhaps in Europe once again.
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