Kevin De Bruyne Feuds with Napoli Teammates, Eyes January Exit
SingTao · 2 SOURCESabout 3 hours ago2 MIN
Summary
Kevin De Bruyne, the legendary Manchester City midfielder, is reportedly preparing to leave Napoli after only 18 months at the club due to severe disagreements with teammates that have fractured the dressing room. The 35-year-old Belgian star joined Napoli as a free agent in summer 2025 following a decorated decade at City, but has struggled to adapt to life in Italy. Tensions escalated during Napoli's Champions League match against Porto, where De Bruyne was captured on camera having a heated argument with forward Lorenzo Lucca, with captain Giovanni Di Lorenzo subsequently defending Lucca and leaving De Bruyne isolated. Despite having a contract extension option, the Belgian is expected to terminate his deal six months early when the January transfer window opens.
Key Points
- Kevin De Bruyne joined Napoli as a free agent in summer 2025 after completing a ten-year spell at Manchester City where he won six Premier League titles and the Champions League
- According to Italian outlet Il Mattino and British tabloid The Sun, De Bruyne has fallen out with several teammates including Rasmus Hojlund, Lorenzo Lucca, and captain Giovanni Di Lorenzo
- During Napoli's Champions League match on Tuesday, the team suffered a heavy 1-4 defeat to Porto, with De Bruyne filmed arguing intensely with teammate Lucca on the pitch
- Captain Di Lorenzo sided with Italian teammate Lucca during the confrontation, leaving De Bruyne feeling increasingly isolated within the squad
- De Bruyne has recorded 4 goals and 1 assist in 11 appearances this season, with his contract set to expire next summer though he holds a one-year extension option
Why It Matters
De Bruyne's potential departure would mark another dramatic chapter in the career of one of football's greatest midfielders, raising questions about his next destination. The situation also highlights the challenges faced by veteran players transitioning to new leagues late in their careers, as the Belgian struggles to settle in Italy both on and off the pitch. For Napoli, losing their marquee signing would deal a significant blow to the club's ambitions and dressing room morale less than two years after his arrival.
De Bruyne's potential departure would mark another dramatic chapter in the career of one of football's greatest midfielders, raising questions about his next destination. The situation also highlights the challenges faced by veteran players transitioning to new leagues late in their careers, as the Belgian struggles to settle in Italy both on and off the pitch. For Napoli, losing their marquee signing would deal a significant blow to the club's ambitions and dressing room morale less than two years after his arrival.