Napoli are considering letting Kevin De Bruyne go to Saudi Arabia after just six months.
Faced with injury problems and financial pressure, Napoli are ready to let Kevin De Bruyne leave in January, having received significant interest from Saudi Arabia.
Napoli's management is facing a difficult and pivotal decision regarding Kevin De Bruyne's future. Just six months after arriving at the Diego Armando Maradona Stadium in July 2025, the Belgian midfielder faces the possibility of leaving the Southern Italian club during this winter transfer window.
The economic dilemma and concerns about De Bruyne's fitness.
According to Tuttomercato, the main reason Napoli is seriously considering selling De Bruyne is his extensive injury history. The 34-year-old star is currently recovering from a hamstring injury and is expected to be out until March. With a player earning one of the highest salaries on the team but constantly having his contributions interrupted, the financial burden is becoming a major problem for the club.
While De Bruyne's class is undeniable, having scored 4 goals and provided 2 assists in just 11 appearances, his age and fitness level no longer allow him to maintain peak performance in Serie A. His contract, which runs until June 2027, further fuels Napoli's concerns about a risky investment if the playmaker's physical condition doesn't improve.
Stability under manager Antonio Conte
Notably, Napoli has maintained consistent form and a smooth playing style even without the Belgian star. Under coach Antonio Conte, the team has shown high discipline and collective strength, not overly reliant on any single individual. The positive results during De Bruyne's absence have given the club's management more confidence in their ability to compete if this transfer goes through.
The way out from Saudi Arabia and the goal of the 2026 World Cup.
Clubs in Saudi Arabia are closely monitoring the situation and are ready to make an attractive offer to free up Napoli's wage bill. For De Bruyne himself, a move to a less demanding league like the Saudi Pro League could be a realistic option to help him recover and maintain his fitness in the long term, aiming for the big goal of the 2026 World Cup with the Belgian national team.
Initial contacts have been established, although no formal document has been issued yet. A final decision is expected to be announced soon in January, marking a major turning point in the Naples team's long-term plan to reinvest in younger, more resilient players.
