PSV reportedly targets Kevin De Bruyne for January move from Napoli

Dutch champions PSV Eindhoven are reportedly interested in signing Kevin De Bruyne, 35, from Napoli in January. De Standaard reports that De Bruyne has entered the final six months of his contract, which under transfer rules lets him negotiate freely with other clubs. Napoli, however, is reluctant to let its Belgian playmaker leave for now, and a deal between the two clubs is described as less certain.

PSV's pursuit of the Belgian

Telegraaf reports that PSV has contacted De Bruyne and his representatives to test how he views a possible switch. AD describes contact at the highest level, but says no definitive agreement exists and that the coming weeks should show whether a breakthrough is possible. The Eindhoven club reportedly wants a player who can strengthen its attack, and AD expects the transfer fee would not be large, although De Bruyne would be paid a lavish salary, as Ivan Perisic also is at PSV.

De Standaard adds that PSV is prepared to spend heavily and points to the more attacking football of the Eredivisie compared with Serie A. It also notes that Eindhoven is a comfortable drive from De Bruyne's home in Heusden-Zolder. After a Champions League defeat to Club Brugge, PSV coach Peter Bosz said the club lacks a controlling midfielder since Ismael Saibari and Joey Veerman left.

Friction at Napoli

De Standaard reports that De Bruyne's first season at Napoli, under Antonio Conte, was a disappointment, with an injury and a difficult relationship with the coach. Massimiliano Allegri replaced Conte, and De Bruyne is described as physically fit, but 7sur7 says tensions over tactics and teamwork have returned. According to 7sur7, Allegri sees him as a number six and believes he could extend his career a few years in that role, an idea De Bruyne reportedly does not embrace. A heated exchange followed a Champions League match against Villarreal in October, after Allegri asked him to drop slightly so that McTominay could play higher. SAPO reports that De Bruyne has played 36 matches for Napoli so far, with nine goals and six assists, and gives the end of his contract as summer 2027, while De Standaard describes a two-year deal signed in summer 2025 with an option for a third year.

Other interest and timing

Italian media, as reported by Telegraaf, say De Bruyne could leave Napoli in January. English reports published in the week of 9 November suggested that Everton is considering a move, although AD says it is not known whether that is true. Nicolò Schira, a journalist cited by SAPO, says PSV has asked for information about the player. RTBF notes that De Bruyne's name has been linked with MLS for two years, and that Rik Elfrink of Eindhovens Dagblad wrote on X that a move looks a realistic option. AD adds that PSV could not use him in the Champions League in January, but that his first league game for the club could come on 10 January, when PSV travel to Feyenoord.