Cyril Ngonge will spend the remainder of the 2025–26 season in Spain after agreeing a loan move from Napoli to Espanyol Barcelona, marking the Belgian winger’s first experience of La Liga.
The 25-year-old has struggled to establish himself as a regular starter since the beginning of the campaign and has opted for a change of scenery in search of consistent playing time.
Espanyol have secured his services on loan until the end of the season, with an option to make the move permanent once the campaign concludes.
Ngonge’s situation at Napoli had become increasingly uncertain. After finding opportunities limited, he was loaned out earlier in the season and featured in 20 matches, registering one goal and one assist.
However, with no guarantee of a central role for the second half of the campaign, the Belgian winger chose to pursue a new challenge. The agreement with Espanyol offers him the chance to relaunch his season and play regularly in a competitive environment.
The Catalan club are hoping Ngonge’s arrival will bolster their attacking options as they push towards their objectives for the remainder of the campaign.
Espanyol believe his versatility across the forward line and his experience in several European leagues will add depth and dynamism to their squad during a decisive period of the season.
For Ngonge, the move also carries international significance. Regular football is expected to strengthen his position as he looks to remain in contention for selection with Belgium, with competition for places particularly intense.
A sustained run of matches in Spain could prove vital in maintaining his international ambitions.
Ngonge’s career has taken him across several European leagues since he emerged from the Belgian youth system.
He made his senior debut with Club Brugge in 2018 before gaining experience in the Netherlands, first on loan at PSV Eindhoven and later with RKC Waalwijk and Groningen. Those moves helped him establish himself before a switch to Italy in 2023.
In Serie A, he represented Hellas Verona before joining Napoli, where he remains under contract until 2028.
During his time with the Naples club, he was part of the squad that lifted the Scudetto last season, adding a major honour to his résumé despite his more limited role this term.
Espanyol’s loan agreement includes an option to buy at the end of the season, leaving the door open for the move to become permanent should the winger impress.
For now, Ngonge’s focus is on settling quickly in Barcelona and making an impact in a new league, as he begins the next chapter of his career in Spanish football.
