In a seismic shift that has sent shockwaves through the football world, Kevin De Bruyne, the Belgian midfield maestro, is on the cusp of joining Serie A champions Napoli. The transfer, which has been finalized in the last few hours, is expected to be officially signed off within the next 48 hours, marking a new chapter for the 33-year-old star who has spent a decade dazzling fans at Manchester City. With only minor formalities remaining, De Bruyne’s move to the Diego Armando Maradona Stadium promises to elevate Napoli’s ambitions as they aim to defend their league title and compete in the Champions League.
De Bruyne, a free agent this summer after his contract with Manchester City expired, has been a long-standing target for Napoli. The agreement, described as a “total” one by insiders, sees the Belgian set to sign a two-year contract with the Italian giants, earning approximately €10 million per season. The deal also includes a significant signing-on bonus, reflecting Napoli’s determination to secure one of Europe’s most creative playmakers. “I really think Kevin De Bruyne will now JOIN us,” Napoli president Aurelio De Laurentiis declared, brimming with confidence. He revealed a personal touch, noting, “I’m told he’s already bought a beautiful house… I spoke to KDB, his wife, and his kid this morning, it’s been beautiful.” However, he cautioned, “Until contracts are signed, we must be careful,” underscoring the need to finalize the remaining details.
The move concludes a glittering 10-year spell at Manchester City, where De Bruyne won six Premier League titles, a Champions League crown, two FA Cups, and numerous other honors. His 422 appearances for the Citizens yielded 108 goals and 177 assists, cementing his legacy as one of the Premier League’s finest-ever midfielders. Despite his desire to stay, Manchester City opted not to extend his contract, a decision De Bruyne described as a “business” one. “Dear Manchester, Seeing this you probably realise where this is heading. So I’ll get straight to it and let you all know that these will be my final months as a Manchester City player,” he told fans in April, his voice heavy with emotion. “Nothing about this is easy to write, but as football players, we all know this day eventually comes.”
Napoli’s pursuit of De Bruyne has been relentless, driven by sporting director Giovanni Manna and backed by De Laurentiis’ ambitious vision. The club, fresh off their 2024-25 Serie A title win under Antonio Conte, sees De Bruyne as a cornerstone for their Champions League aspirations. His close friendship with Belgian teammate Romelu Lukaku, already a key figure at Napoli, played a pivotal role in his decision. Former Napoli star Dries Mertens also shared insights about life in Naples, further swaying De Bruyne. The midfielder’s wife, Michele Lacroix, has been spotted house-hunting in the city, with reports suggesting the couple has purchased a villa in Posillipo, a scenic coastal area. Their 2017 wedding in nearby Sorrento adds a personal connection to the region.
The transfer saga wasn’t without competition. Major League Soccer’s Chicago Fire presented a lucrative offer, while clubs in the Saudi Pro League and even Premier League sides like Liverpool and Aston Villa expressed interest. Mohamed Salah cheekily invited De Bruyne to Anfield, saying there was “space for him,” but Napoli’s project, bolstered by Conte’s leadership and the promise of regular Champions League football, proved decisive. De Bruyne’s camp broke off talks with other clubs, focusing solely on Naples. “Napoli are really advancing on a deal to sign Kevin De Bruyne,” transfer expert Fabrizio Romano noted, highlighting the club’s improved three-year proposal of €6 million net per season for the first two years, dropping to €5 million in the third, plus a signing-on fee.
As Napoli prepare to welcome De Bruyne, they’re also navigating other transfer dealings. The club is eyeing Lille’s Jonathan David and Liverpool’s Federico Chiesa, while Victor Osimhen’s future remains uncertain after his loan at Galatasaray. De Bruyne’s arrival, however, is the crown jewel of their summer strategy. His vision, pinpoint passing, and leadership will complement Napoli’s existing Premier League alumni, including Scott McTominay, Billy Gilmour, and Romelu Lukaku, who have thrived under Conte. With medical tests scheduled post-Belgium international duty and contracts being finalized, fans eagerly await De Bruyne’s unveiling. As the clock ticks down to the official announcement, expected early next week, Napoli’s bold move signals their intent to dominate both domestically and in Europe.
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