Napoli creative midfielder Kevin De Bruyne could make a surprising return to the English Premier League ahead of next season, barely a year and a half after his high-profile departure from Manchester City. Reports from Italian media indicate that the Belgian international is struggling to adapt to his new surroundings in southern Italy.
According to reports from CalcioMercato, Premier League club Everton have emerged as serious suitors for the experienced playmaker and have already made formal contact with his management team to explore a potential deal.
Why is a move back to England being considered?
Sources close to the player suggest that De Bruyne is open to a Premier League comeback following reported disagreements with manager Max Allegri and certain members of the Napoli squad. Despite these off-pitch challenges, the midfielder has maintained a decent level of productivity on the pitch.
Since moving to the Italian Serie A, the former Manchester City star has contributed 15 assists across 36 total appearances for Napoli, with six of those assists coming in the current campaign. Football analysts note that while his technical output remains high, adaptation hurdles often influence player retention in top-tier European leagues.
What lies ahead in the transfer window?
As speculation mounts regarding his future, negotiations are expected to progress as the transfer window approaches. Everton's proactive approach signals their intent to bolster their squad with world-class experience, though Napoli's valuation of the player and his current contract terms will play a pivotal role in determining whether a deal materializes.