Kevin de Bruyne: 3 Shocking Reasons the Belgian Midfielder Picked Napoli Over MLS

Kevin de Bruyne has left Manchester City for Napoli

Kevin de Bruyne: 3 Shocking Reasons the Belgian Midfielder Picked Napoli Over MLS

Festus Chuma 19:20 - 12.06.2025

Kevin de Bruyne makes a surprising move to Napoli, turning down MLS and ending a legendary chapter at Manchester City.

Kevin de Bruyne has stunned football fans across the globe by completing a sensational move to Italian champions Napoli.

The move from the English Premier League marks the end of a glittering decade with Manchester City.

The Belgian playmaker, widely regarded as one of the finest midfielders of his generation, has chosen a new chapter in Naples over a potential stint in Major League Soccer and a possible extension at City.

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Pulse Sports looks at three shocking reasons why De Bruyne opted for Napoli:

3. Champions League Football Over MLS Comfort

De Bruyne rejected a substantial offer from MLS side Chicago Fire in favor of a move that keeps him in elite European competition.

The decision underlines the 33-year-old’s continued hunger for top-tier football rather than a semi-retirement package in the United States.

In joining Napoli, De Bruyne ensures he’ll feature in the Champions League next season, maintaining the high standards he’s accustomed to. It is a move that echoes his competitive spirit and desire to play at the pinnacle of club football.

2. A New Challenge Under Antonio Conte

Perhaps one of the most surprising aspects of the transfer is De Bruyne’s decision to work under fiery Italian tactician Antonio Conte.

The former Chelsea and Tottenham Hotspur boss has taken the reins at Napoli, and his reputation for demanding intensity and discipline presents a stark contrast to Pep Guardiola’s cerebral style.

Yet, the move seems to have appealed to De Bruyne, who thrives under pressure and structure.

Napoli introduced the midfielder with a computer-generated image of him seated on a throne wearing a crown, captioned, "King Kev is here". The fanfare underscores how central he will be to Conte’s plans.

1. Emotional Farewell to Manchester, but Time for Change

After winning 19 major trophies, including six Premier League titles and Manchester City’s first-ever Champions League crown in 2023, De Bruyne felt the timing was right to move on.

His final home game at the Etihad Stadium against Bournemouth was an emotional one, and he made a brief appearance in City’s final domestic match at Fulham.

Speaking about his departure, De Bruyne said, "It's been unbelievable to have the 10 years that I had with everything that happened here. It's been an unbelievable ride and an absolute pleasure."

"It was a joy working really hard to try and help create something that brought the club the success we enjoyed. I'm super proud to have played a part in that. Manchester has been my home and my family's home for these past 10 years."

Napoli’s thrilling Serie A title win last season and the opportunity to mentor and play alongside younger talents like Scott McTominay and Billy Gilmour may have tipped the balance.

Meanwhile, Manchester City have acted swiftly to fill the creative vacuum left by their former talisman, bringing in Tijjani Reijnders from AC Milan and Rayan Cherki from Lyon.