In a surprising twist to the summer transfer window, Kevin De Bruyne has officially joined Serie A champions Napoli — turning down a potential move to Premier League winners Liverpool.

After parting ways with Manchester City following nearly a decade of silverware-laden service, the Belgian midfield maestro became a free agent. While several top clubs expressed interest, including offers from Saudi Arabia and Major League Soccer, De Bruyne stunned fans by opting to remain in Europe and sign with Napoli.

According to The Athletic, brief talks did occur between De Bruyne and Liverpool shortly after the Merseyside club secured the 2024/25 Premier League title. However, no agreement was reached. For a moment, the idea of De Bruyne switching from the blue half of Manchester to the red half of Merseyside created a stir — but it was never close to being finalized.

In an exclusive interview with Belgian outlet HLN, De Bruyne explained his decision: “I respect Liverpool deeply — it’s a massive club with great history. But after everything I gave to Manchester City, I couldn’t see myself wearing another Premier League shirt. Emotionally, it just didn’t feel right,” he said. “Napoli offered me a new challenge, a beautiful city, and a chance to prove I still belong in the Champions League. That was everything I wanted at this stage of my career.”

The 33-year-old has signed a two-year contract with Napoli, including an option for a third, reportedly earning €5–6 million per season. He is expected to take on a pivotal role under newly appointed head coach Antonio Conte, who sees De Bruyne as the ideal playmaker to lead Napoli’s domestic and European campaigns.

With his vast experience and still world-class vision, De Bruyne aims to be the engine that powers Napoli’s midfield and helps the club solidify its status as a continental powerhouse.

“I’m not here to slow down,” De Bruyne added. “I came to Naples to win and to lead. This is a fresh chapter — and I’m ready to make it unforgettable.”