Kevin De Bruyne could be on his way back to the Premier League – but not to the club anyone expected. Everton have made a surprising approach to the former Manchester City star.
The six-time Premier League winner swapped Manchester for Napoli in the summer of 2025, but has struggled for large periods at the Serie A club. Now, Italian media are reporting that Everton have taken the initiative for the first contact with the player’s entourage.
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According to CalcioMercato, Everton have shown a lot of interest in De Bruyne, and are considering the deal’s “real chance” – but Napoli need to be persuaded to let go of their Belgian midfielder.
Struggling in Naples
De Bruyne has recorded 15 goals in 36 appearances for the Serie A side, six of which have come this season. At the weekend, Napoli drew 1-1 with Lazio, with the Belgian squandering a clear one-on-one opportunity to decide the game – and was taken out before the final whistle.
Last season, the 35-year-old experienced tensions with then-manager Antonio Conte. Now he plays under Massimiliano Allegri, and the relationship with the new coach is said to be better – but tensions persist elsewhere.
According to Il Mattino, as quoted by Goal, it would not be surprising if De Bruyne left Napoli in January, amid tensions in the dressing room between the Belgian and some of his teammates. His future is described as “uncertain”, despite Allegri’s attempts to make him feel comfortable.
Everton in the ring
Everton have now stepped into the ring to offer De Bruyne a solution: a return to the Premier League – and instead of competing against the Merseyside club, playing for it.
CalcioMercato writes in its report that Napoli may choose not to release De Bruyne during the season, and postpone all discussions until June – but that the Serie A club “must be convinced”.
Should he join Everton, he would likely miss out on a reunion with former City teammate Jack Grealish. Grealish, who is on loan at Everton, is expected to have his loan cancelled in January – just when a potential De Bruyne transfer could become possible. The duo combined well during City’s treble-winning 2022/23 season.
The Belgian playmaker currently has 43 assists in the Premier League – behind all-time leader Ryan Giggs.
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