In a summer move sending ripples across Europe, two-time Premier League Player of the Season Kevin De Bruyne has signed with Serie A champions Napoli as a free agent from Manchester City after a decade at the English club.
Napoli announced the signing with a bold message on X, declaring "KING KEV IS HERE." Fans made their excitement clear: roughly 150 supporters greeted De Bruyne at a Rome clinic for his medical, chanting his name and celebrating Napoli winning the Scudetto.
The Belgian midfielder will link up with Romelu Lukaku again, rekindling a partnership that shone during national team fixtures. He also follows in the footsteps of former Napoli great Dries Mertens, another ex-Belgium international who left a lasting legacy in southern Italy.
In midfield, De Bruyne could form a dynamic duo with Serie A Player of the Year Scott McTominay, who impressed after his move from Manchester United. The combination of vision, passing range and work rate promises a thrilling engine room for Napoli.
During his 10 seasons at Manchester City, De Bruyne helped the club secure six Premier League titles, two FA Cups and a UEFA Champions League trophy. His two Player of the Season awards came in 2019-20 and 2021-22, cementing his status as one of footballs most complete midfielders.
Reports suggest that adding De Bruyne may have been key in convincing coach Antonio Conte to remain on with Napoli after he weighed a return to Juventus. Now both coach and new signing aim to build on the momentum from last season.
As Serie A gears up for another competitive campaign, all eyes are on De Bruyne and how he will reshape Napoli midfield. The stage is set for a new chapter in the Belgian star storied career.
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Kevin De Bruyne signs with Napoli after 10 seasons at Manchester City
cgtn.com
