Napoli considers De Bruyne exit amid tensions and disappointing results

Napoli is considering parting ways with Kevin De Bruyne as the club endures a disappointing run of results. The midfielder could leave in the next winter transfer window, though the possibility is still being examined. Napoli currently sits tenth in the competition standings. The club won the Italian championship two years ago and finished second last season, leaving its current position well short of the ambitions of its supporters and leadership.

Tensions with teammates are among the reasons being discussed. De Bruyne argued with Lorenzo Lucca during Napoli’s 4-1 Champions League defeat to Porto. The incident reportedly began after a missed shot by Gilmour. The two players are said to have exchanged heated words before Lucca told De Bruyne: «Why are you talking?»

The dispute was reportedly not an isolated incident. The account also refers to earlier disagreements between De Bruyne and Rasmus Højlund, as well as Giovanni Di Lorenzo, the team captain. Questions have also arisen about the player’s relationship with coach Massimiliano Allegri. In a match against Villarreal, De Bruyne reportedly ignored his coach’s instructions, according to media reports. Allegri later played down the episode, describing it as a misunderstanding that had not crossed certain limits.

There are also doubts about De Bruyne’s relationship with Allegri and his adjustment to the Italian championship. The move from the possession-based, collaborative approach he knew at Manchester City under Pep Guardiola to a more cautious, defensive style in Italy may not have suited him. De Bruyne criticised his team’s tactics a few months ago: «We play very defensively. If you score only one goal in a match and rely on a 5-4-1 system, it’s not enough.»

Club president Aurelio De Laurentiis has reportedly begun examining several ways out of the crisis, including a separation from De Bruyne. The Belgian’s salary is another factor in the discussion: he is the team’s highest-paid player. A departure in January could bring Napoli around 11 million euros, equivalent to the player’s salary. The club’s leadership is said to be seriously considering the option, but no decision has been announced.