Few footballers have left a mark on the Premier League quite like Kevin De Bruyne. For nearly a decade, the Belgian maestro has been at the heart of Manchester City’s dominance, orchestrating attacks, breaking records, and collecting silverware at a remarkable rate. As the 2024/25 season drew to a close, De Bruyne’s emotional farewell to the Etihad signalled not just the end of a glittering chapter, but also the beginning of an intriguing new adventure in Italy with Napoli.

A Decade of Brilliance in Manchester

De Bruyne arrived at Manchester City in 2015, signing from Wolfsburg for a then-club record fee of £54 million. At the time, some questioned the investment, given his brief and underwhelming spell at Chelsea. Those doubts were quickly erased. Over 10 seasons, De Bruyne established himself as one of the Premier League’s all-time great midfielders, combining vision, technique, and leadership in equal measure.

His statistics are staggering. De Bruyne made 287 Premier League appearances for City, contributing 72 goals and 118 assists—second only to Ryan Giggs for assists in the competition’s history. In all competitions, he played 421 matches and scored 108 goals, cementing his status as the creative heartbeat of Pep Guardiola’s side. The Belgium’s influence was most keenly felt in the big moments, whether it was a pinpoint cross, a thunderous strike from distance, or a perfectly weighted through ball.

During his time at City, De Bruyne collected 16 major trophies, including six Premier League titles, two FA Cups, five League Cups, and the club’s first-ever UEFA Champions League crown. He was twice named Premier League Player of the Season and claimed the Playmaker award three times, underlining his status as the league’s premier creator.

The Emotional Farewell

The news of De Bruyne’s departure broke in April 2025. In a heartfelt social media statement, he addressed the City faithful directly, expressing his gratitude for a decade that changed his life and promising to give everything in his final months. The announcement sent shockwaves through the blue half of Manchester, with tributes pouring in from teammates, fans, and pundits alike.

De Bruyne’s final season was not without its challenges. He missed several months with a hamstring injury but returned in January to play a key role in City’s run-in. He scored his 100th goal for the club in April and helped secure a sixth Premier League title on the final day. However, his hopes of a fairytale ending were dashed when City lost the FA Cup final to Crystal Palace.

His last appearance at the Etihad was marked by an emotional send-off, with fans and players alike recognising the end of an era. Manager Pep Guardiola reportedly wants a statue erected in De Bruyne’s honour—a testament to his impact on the club’s history.

Why Did De Bruyne Leave?

The decision for De Bruyne to leave City was, in many ways, a pragmatic one. At 33, and after a series of injuries, the club chose not to extend his contract beyond June 2025. De Bruyne himself described it as a “business decision,” acknowledging that all great stories must eventually come to an end.

Despite speculation linking him with moves to the Saudi Pro League, Major League Soccer, and even a sensational switch to Liverpool, De Bruyne ultimately opted for Napoli. Reports confirmed that he held brief discussions with Liverpool, the team he supported as a boy, but a move to Anfield never materialised. Instead, he chose to continue competing at the highest level in Europe.

The Napoli Move: A New Challenge

De Bruyne’s transfer to Napoli was confirmed in June 2025. He signed a two-year contract with the reigning Serie A champions, joining a side revitalised under Antonio Conte. Napoli, fresh off their first Scudetto in three decades, are building an ambitious project, and De Bruyne is expected to be a central figure in their pursuit of domestic and European glory.

The move to Italy represents a fresh challenge for De Bruyne, who has spent the bulk of his career in England and Germany. At Napoli, he will link up with a squad featuring several former Premier League players and will bring invaluable experience to a club eager to cement its place among Europe’s elite.

Legacy in the Premier League

De Bruyne leaves the Premier League as one of its most decorated and respected players. His vision, passing range, and ability to dictate the tempo of matches set a new standard for midfielders in English football. He was not just a serial winner but also a player who elevated those around him.

Pundits and former players have been effusive in their praise. Many consider him the finest midfielder of his generation, with some arguing he is the best the Premier League has ever seen. His legacy is secure—not just in Manchester, but across English football.

What Next for Manchester City?

For City, replacing De Bruyne will be no easy task. The club boasts a wealth of talent, but few possess the unique blend of creativity and leadership that the Belgian offered. Manager Pep Guardiola faces a significant challenge in reshaping his midfield ahead of the new season, with fans eager to see who will step up to fill the void.

The Role of Romelu Lukaku

Belgium teammate Romelu Lukaku played a key role in De Bruyne’s decision. The two spoke at length during national team duty, with Lukaku offering insights into life in Naples and the demands of Serie A. Lukaku, who has become a central figure at Napoli, believes De Bruyne is the missing piece needed to elevate the club further.

Conclusion:

Kevin De Bruyne’s departure marks the end of a golden era for Manchester City and the Premier League. His achievements, both individual and collective, will be remembered for years to come. As he embarks on a new journey with Napoli, fans in the UK and across Europe will watch with keen interest, knowing that players of his calibre do not come around often.

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