Kevin De Bruyne’s Napoli stint could end after one season as Turkish and Saudi clubs circle
The Belgian midfielder's injury-plagued debut season in Serie A has intermediaries shopping him to clubs outside Europe, with a post-World Cup meeting set to decide his future.
Kevin De Bruyne, one of the most decorated midfielders of the past decade, may already be on his way out of Napoli. Intermediaries representing the 35-year-old are actively offering him to clubs in Turkey and Saudi Arabia, barely a year after he arrived in Italy on a free transfer from Manchester City.
A free transfer that cost more than expected
De Bruyne joined Napoli on July 1, 2025, after his long and storied tenure at Manchester City came to an end. The deal looked like a coup on paper: a world-class midfielder arriving for zero transfer fee, signing a contract through June 2027 with an option for an additional year.
De Bruyne’s body simply would not cooperate. Injuries kept him sidelined for the vast majority of the season, and he didn’t return to action until March 2026, when he came on as a substitute.
His current market value sits at roughly €8 million. For context, at his peak with Manchester City, De Bruyne was valued well north of €100 million.
Coaching change adds another layer of uncertainty
Napoli underwent a significant managerial change, with Massimiliano Allegri replacing Antonio Conte at the helm. De Bruyne is scheduled to meet with Allegri after the 2026 World Cup to discuss his future at the club.
The fact that intermediaries are already shopping De Bruyne before that meeting even takes place suggests the player’s camp has a pretty good read on how the conversation is going to go.
Turkey and Saudi Arabia: the new destinations for aging stars
Turkey’s Super Lig offers clubs like Galatasaray, Fenerbahce, and Besiktas, which have a long history of signing established European stars. The competitive standard is lower than Serie A, which could actually work in De Bruyne’s favor given the strain injuries have placed on his body.
What this means for the transfer market
The €8 million valuation means any transfer fee would be modest at best. Napoli may even agree to terminate the contract by mutual consent if a suitable arrangement can be found, particularly if De Bruyne’s wages are the primary concern rather than recouping a fee.
For the receiving club, whether in Istanbul or Riyadh, De Bruyne’s name still carries commercial value. Even at 35 with injury baggage, he’s a proven winner with multiple Premier League titles and a Champions League medal. Any prospective buyer would need to price in the reality that De Bruyne played a fraction of the minutes Napoli expected when they signed him.