De Bruyne's future at Napoli uncertain, possible January departure

Kevin De Bruyne's future at the club is uncertain. According to local media reports, the 35-year-old Belgian star could leave the team in January.

De Bruyne joined Napoli on a free transfer in the summer of 2025, after his contract with Manchester City expired. He has started all 11 of the team's Serie A matches this season. After an individually unproductive season last year, the player was out of action for more than four months with a serious hamstring injury he suffered in the middle of the season. Saying he was pleased that Antonio Conte left the club at the end of last season, De Bruyne noted that the two had very different views on football and that he had never been able to play in his preferred position.

Napoli are going through a difficult period under Massimiliano Allegri, who replaced Conte. The team lost seven of its first 15 matches under Allegri and sit 10th in Serie A after 11 matches, 14 points behind the league leaders. In the Champions League, Napoli have lost three of their first four matches and are 27th in the European standings, at risk of failing to reach the play-off round. A direct route to the round of 16 looks almost impossible.

According to Monday's reports in Il Mattino, Allegri says he is doing "everything" to keep De Bruyne at the club, but decisions about the player's future are reported to be uncertain. The newspaper also writes that "drastic decisions" could be taken during the January transfer window. Meanwhile, Napoli are expected to have a busy January, with both arrivals and departures. Allegri reportedly wants three or four new players, and Lorenzo Lucca, Noa Lang and Zambo Anguissa are reported to be among the players who could be sold.