The Belgium international`s contract at Manchester City expired, bringing an end to his ten-year association with the Premier League club. He departed as a free agent and was not part of City`s squad for the FIFA Club World Cup.
At the age of 33, De Bruyne has now agreed to join Serie A title holders Napoli. This move allows him to return to the Champions League stage and offers him the opportunity to demonstrate to Pep Guardiola and his former club that he can still compete at the very highest level of European football.
Prior to deciding to remain in Europe, De Bruyne was linked with potential moves to both the Saudi Pro League and MLS. However, according to a report from The Athletic, he even entertained the idea of staying in England and possibly joining the club he supported during his childhood.
Following Liverpool`s Premier League triumph in the 2024-25 season, “brief discussions” are reported to have taken place with representatives at Anfield. Despite this, no agreement was reached, and a potential switch to Liverpool, which would have undoubtedly caused a stir in English football, never truly materialised.
The last players to move directly between Manchester City and Liverpool were James Milner and Raheem Sterling. Sterling transferred from Anfield to the Etihad, while Milner joined Liverpool after enjoying five trophy-winning seasons in Manchester.
