Did Manchester City part ways with De Bruyne too early?

By Martin Graham

Kevin De Bruyne’s recent displays have sparked admiration across Europe, with many calling him “legendary” and “pure class” as he thrives in his new surroundings. After departing Manchester City on a free transfer in the summer to join Napoli, the Belgian is enjoying one of the most impressive openings to a season in his career.

The midfielder’s departure came amid a wave of exits from the Etihad, with senior figures such as Ederson, Jack Grealish, Ilkay Gundogan, and Kyle Walker all moving on. Despite winning 16 major honors and making more than 400 appearances, the 34-year-old was not offered a new contract and moved to Serie A after his deal expired in June.

Reflecting on the situation earlier this year, De Bruyne admitted his surprise at City’s stance. “I was a bit surprised, but I just have to accept it,” he said in April. “Honestly, I still think I can perform at this level like I’m showing, but I understand clubs have to make decisions.”

His early performances this term suggest that confidence was well placed.

Numbers that speak for themselves

The veteran playmaker has begun the 2025–26 campaign in prolific fashion, netting twice from the spot during Belgium’s 4–2 victory over Wales on Monday. Across his 12 outings for club and country this season, he has registered eight goals and three assists — 11 goal involvements in total.

Only twice in his career has he contributed to more goals at this stage of a campaign, in 2019–20 and 2023–24. His output has been a major boost for Napoli, where he has already adapted to the tempo of Serie A. While he has yet to provide an assist in the league, he ranks joint-second among midfielders for chances created.

In terms of scoring, only Christian Pulisic of AC Milan and Riccardo Orsolini of Bologna — with four goals each — have found the net more times than De Bruyne’s three among midfielders.

Mixed fortunes for City without their maestro

Back in England, Manchester City’s start to the season has been solid but not spectacular. Pep Guardiola’s side have collected six wins, two draws, and two defeats from their first ten fixtures.

One of those victories came against Napoli at the Etihad Stadium, when De Bruyne returned to Manchester. The highly anticipated reunion was cut short after just 26 minutes when Giovanni di Lorenzo saw red for the visitors.

Even so, the midfielder’s creative and goal-scoring form stands out when compared to City’s current midfield and attacking options. Only fellow Belgian Jeremy Doku has produced similar combined numbers for goals and assists so far.

Fully fit and leading Belgium again

Fitness problems had limited De Bruyne’s involvement towards the end of his Premier League career, with just 34 league starts over the previous two seasons. By contrast, he has already begun five of Napoli’s six Serie A matches this campaign, coming off the bench in the other. “I feel good,” he explained recently. “I’m playing a lot, and I’m in good shape.”

Internationally, the experienced midfielder remains a central figure for Belgium. He has already featured at three World Cups and is one of the few remaining members of the nation’s “golden generation.” Although new coach Rudi Garcia removed him as captain in September, handing the armband to Youri Tielemans, De Bruyne responded in typically decisive fashion.

Five goals in his first four matches under Garcia — including the brace in Wales — have put Belgium on the brink of their fourth consecutive World Cup appearance. De Bruyne will turn 35 during the tournament next summer in Canada, Mexico, and the USA, but he continues to perform at a remarkably high level.