Kevin De Bruyne Linked to PSV and Everton as Napoli Weighs Winter Move

Kevin De Bruyne faces growing uncertainty at Napoli as reports of dressing room friction and tactical dissatisfaction fuel speculation of a potential winter departure.

With the 35-year-old midfielder under contract until June 2027, the Italian club is reportedly weighing its options to offload a salary estimated at 11.11 million euros per year, DHnet reported.

The Belgian international has struggled to find consistent form since his 2025 arrival, recording four goals and two assists across 15 appearances. Tensions have reportedly escalated within the squad, with DHnet noting alleged altercations involving captain Giovanni Di Lorenzo and teammate Rasmus Højlund. These internal issues, combined with the player’s reported discomfort playing as a number 6 under the current tactical setup, have made his future in Italy increasingly precarious.

The club is prepared to examine offers during the upcoming January transfer window, but several hurdles exist. Lesoir.be reported that Napoli may be reluctant to part with a player who remains a key component of their tactical balance for the remainder of the season, especially given that the club is unlikely to command a substantial transfer fee for a player entering the final stages of his tenure.

Interested clubs may also wait until the summer, when De Bruyne can negotiate terms without an indemnity fee.

According to reporting from news.footeo.com, Everton has initiated contact with the player’s representatives to explore a return to the Premier League. Meanwhile, PSV Eindhoven has also been linked to the playmaker, with reports suggesting the Dutch champions are seeking individual quality in midfield following the departures of Joey Veerman and Ismael Saibari, DHnet noted.

While De Bruyne maintains he is most effective in an advanced position, coaching staff have reportedly insisted on utilizing him as a trequartista—a deep-lying playmaker role intended to extend his career longevity.

Moving the player off the books before his contract expires in 2027 would reduce the club's wage bill, given his fixed salary of approximately 11.11 million euros. However, news.footeo.com indicated that Napoli would likely only entertain a departure if an offer in the range of 5 to 7 million euros is presented, as the club does not wish to hinder the player’s career if a fair compensation is met.

PSV manager Peter Bosz has publicly acknowledged his team’s need for a creative spark, identifying the Belgian as a candidate capable of filling the void left by recent squad changes.

Everton’s interest, as reported by Calciomercato, marks a potential return to the league where De Bruyne previously played for Manchester City and Chelsea. While the player previously had a brief stint at Chelsea in 2013, a move back to England would represent a homecoming of sorts.

As of mid-November, no formal agreement has been reached with any club, and the player remains focused on his current responsibilities at Napoli while the January window approaches.