Kevin De Bruyne is facing potential transfer scrutiny at Napoli as tensions mount within the Italian club, La Libre.be reported.
The 35-year-old Belgian midfielder finds his future in question following a string of squad clashes and disappointing results.
Napoli management is reportedly prepared to evaluate incoming offers for De Bruyne during the upcoming winter transfer window, according to reporting cited by Foot Mercato. The club is weighing a potential early separation to rejuvenate the squad and reduce an annual wage burden estimated at 6 million euros.
🚨 Kevin De Bruyne could leave Napoli in January – Kevin De Bruyne's future at Napoli is uncertain – A January exit cannot be ruled out despite Massimiliano Allegri trying to get him onside – The 35-year-old joined on a free transfer from Man City in summer 2025 – He has started… pic.twitter.com/Mub9iV3bNA
RTL Info reported that because De Bruyne’s contract expires at the end of the season, interested clubs have little incentive to pay a substantial transfer fee in winter when they could potentially sign the veteran playmaker as a free agent in June. Observers note that no formal conflict exists between the player and club leadership.
On-field adaptation has proven difficult for the former Manchester City star, who previously acknowledged communication challenges under former coach Antonio Conte. Under current manager Massimiliano Allegri, friction has reportedly spilled over into training sessions and matchdays.
Foot Mercato and regional outlet Il Mattino documented several high-profile altercations, including a heated on-field dispute with forward Lorenzo Lucca during a UEFA Champions League fixture against Porto. Reports also indicate strained relationships between De Bruyne and striker Rasmus Hojlund, as well as team captain Giovanni Di Lorenzo.
The internal atmosphere deteriorated further following a 1-1 draw against Serie A leader Lazio at the Stadio Diego Armando Maradona. Following the match, captain Mateo Politano voiced public frustration regarding a perceived divide within the squad. “I’d like it if from time to time, another teammate came to express himself, not always us Italians,” Politano remarked, according to DHnet coverage.
Faced with a disappointing league position—sitting eighth in Serie A, 14 points behind Lazio— klub president Aurelio De Laurentiis intervened by ordering a mandatory training camp, known locally as a ritiro, to stabilize the squad.
Napoli returns to competitive action following the international break as the squad prepares for its next scheduled Serie A fixture, where management hopes to restore stability on the pitch.
Kevin De Bruyne is facing an uncertain future at club level, and local reports suggest that the Belgian superstar could potentially even leave Napoli as early as January. pic.twitter.com/fnNia5BVhp
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