Kevin De Bruyne is heading toward an early exit from SSC Napoli after contact between the Italian club and PSV Eindhoven regarding a January transfer, VoetbalNieuws reported.
The midfielder joined SSC Napoli in the summer of 2025 on a free transfer from Manchester City, but his first season in Italy was disrupted by injuries and tactical disagreements with former coach Antonio Conte.
Current manager Massimiliano Allegri prefers deploying the Belgian as a deep-lying playmaker, whereas the player favors a more advanced attacking role. Despite these difficulties, Kevin De Bruyne remained loyal to his employer during the summer transfer window after the Italian manager decided to step down, Source 1 noted.
PSV Eindhoven has initiated formal discussions with SSC Napoli regarding a winter transfer window move, according to the Italian division of Sky Sports. The Dutch reigning champions intend to pursue the deal actively when the transfer window opens in January.
Rik Elfrink reported for the Algemeen Dagblad that PSV views the potential transfer as an ideal match, noting that the club’s high-tempo, attacking style under coach Peter Bosz would suit the playmaker’s strengths, Sporza reported. According to Rik Elfrink, “Hij zal zeker oren hebben naar het aanvallende voetbal van PSV”.
SSC Napoli president Aurelio De Laurentiis has warned prospective buyers that the club will not grant financial concessions or agree to an early contract termination, according to Sky Sports. Any team wishing to acquire the player before his contract expires at the end of the season must pay a transfer fee.
The situation has been further complicated by recent public comments regarding the player’s family living situation. Following a misinterpretation in British media of an interview given by Michèle Lacroix to the magazine NINA, Napoli supporters criticized the player’s partner on social media regarding their long-term relocation plans, Voetbal24.be reported. British media outlets picked up the story, which subsequently became major news in Italy as well, according to Voetbal24.be.
Michèle Lacroix had stated in NINA: “Maar natuurlijk denken we samen na over later. Hoe sneller we hier geraken, hoe beter.” Due to incorrect translation, this was altered in British reporting to claim that they wished to leave Naples as quickly as possible.
As a result, she faced severe backlash from Napoli fans on Instagram, with comments telling them to leave if they could not live in Naples and stating that nobody was stopping them.
If the transfer proceeds, the Belgian international would join a crowded midfield that includes Guus Til, Sven Mijnans, and Paul Wanner, alongside wingers Ruben van Bommel and Ivan Perisic, as reported by Sporza.
PSV currently leads the Eredivisie standings after 12 matches, holding a one-point advantage over Feyenoord and Ajax.
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