The former Manchester City star, whose contract with the Premier League giants expired in June, has agreed to a two-year deal with the Serie A champions, with an option for a third year, according to reports from Italian journalist Gianluca Di Marzio.

De Bruyne, widely regarded as one of the finest playmakers of his generation, spent a decade at Manchester City, where he cemented his legacy under Pep Guardiola. "He's one of the greatest midfielders to ever play in this country," Guardiola said of De Bruyne, praising his 108 goals and 177 assists in 422 appearances.

During his time at the Etihad, the Citizens won six Premier League titles, two FA Cups, five League Cups, three Community Shields, and the coveted Champions League in 2023.

The 33-year-old's arrival in Naples follows Napoli's Serie A triumph under Antonio Conte in the 2024-25 season, their second title in three years.

Fans were thrilled when Napoli's official X account announced, "KING KEV IS HERE #ProudToBeNapoli," confirming his arrival on June 12. De Bruyne, who completed his medical on Thursday after fulfilling Belgium's World Cup qualifying duties, is expected to bring vision and leadership to a squad already boasting talents like Romelu Lukaku and Scott McTominay.

Tactical experts are buzzing about how Conte will deploy the Belgian maestro. Napoli's 4-3-3, which powered their title charge last season, could see De Bruyne orchestrating play from a central role, feeding wingers and strikers with his pinpoint passing.

Alternatively, Conte's preferred 3-5-2 might cast De Bruyne as a dynamic attacking midfielder, akin to Christian Eriksen's role during Conte's Inter Milan tenure. "His ability to unlock defences will be a game-changer," said Italian football analyst Marco Bellinazzo.

De Bruyne's journey to Napoli wasn't without hurdles. He postponed a scheduled medical earlier in June to focus on Belgium's qualifiers, including a dramatic 4-3 win over Wales where he scored an 88th-minute winner. Napoli's persistence paid off, fending off interest from Major League Soccer, Saudi Pro League clubs, and Fenerbahce, who offered a lucrative 25 million euros deal until 2027.

Before his Manchester City stardom, De Bruyne showcased his talent at Genk, Werder Bremen, Wolfsburg, and briefly at Chelsea. Now, he embarks on a new chapter with Napoli, who are eager to dominate domestically and make waves in the Champions League.

Club president Aurelio De Laurentiis revealed talks with De Bruyne began three months ago, highlighting their ambition. "The De Bruyne operation started three months ago," he said.

As Napoli prepare for the 2025-26 campaign, De Bruyne's signing signals their intent to build on recent success. With Conte's tactical nous and a star-studded midfield, the Partenopei are poised for action-packed battles in Italy and beyond.

Kevin De Bruyne's Napoli move sparks excitement in Serie A