Article by Aurelian Botezatu – Published Thursday, March 26, 2026, 3:50 p.m. / Updated Thursday, March 26, 2026, 3:51 p.m.
The Italian press writes that, despite a contract due in 2027, with an option to extend until 2028, Kevin de Bruyne and Naples they would break up in the summer.
Brought on a free transfer last summer from Manchester City, Kevin de Buyne is closer to a new transfer than a second season in Napoli's shirt. Calciomercato.com report that the 34-year-old attacking midfielder and the club's bosses will make a decision together in the summer, but the trend is towards a split.
Kevin de Bruyne has repeatedly had problems with his left thigh
The reason? Since his transfer, the former Belgium international has only played in 14 matches for the Neapolitans after, last October, he suffered a muscle tear in his right thigh during a match against Inter (3-1), injury that kept him off the pitch for over four months and 30 matches!
De Bruyne has also struggled with this muscle at Manchester City on a number of occasions, meaning further recurrences are possible. Napoli are not happy with such a prospect, and the player is also considering moving to a less demanding league.
Last summer, Al Ittihad made Kevin de Bruyne an 'irresistible' offer
The Saudi Arabian Professional League would automatically come back into the discussion. Even before De Bruyne decided to join Napoli in the summer of 2025, the Saudis from Al Ittihad tempted him with an offer they could not refuse.
The lower level of play might be better suited to De Bruyne's declining fitness than Serie A, which is far more demanding from that point of view. The same goes for MLS, who are also being considered as a possible destination for the former Belgium international.
He returned to action on 6 March in a 2–1 loss against AC Torino, playing the last 11 minutes of the game. Then he scored a half against Lecce (2-1) and finally 90 minutes away from Cagliari, won by Napoli 1-0.
