Everton have emerged as an option for Napoli’s Kevin De Bruyne, and will face a tough battle to bring him back to the Premier League in the winter market.
The Belgium international ended his 10-year spell at Manchester City and left them as a free agent in 2025. This allowed the Serie A side to sign him for free that summer.
He’s failed to replicate his Etihad form in Italy, partly because of a hamstring injury that he suffered last season. There are other issues that could push him to leave Napoli, and Everton are ready to open their door.
Everton made an approach
On Tuesday, Sport Witness covered a report from Italy explaining that Everton contacted his agents to find out the ‘real chances’ of signing him in January.
A day later, a second Italian source backed up the Merseyside club’s interest in the 35-year-old.
Eindhovens Dagblad now back up Everton’s interest when covering the latest about PSV Eindhoven.
David Moyes’ side are still in the running to sign Kevin De Bruyne. The newspaper states the Eredivisie side have a ‘strong trump card’ up their sleeve to overcome competition to secure his services.
Why January deal challenging for Everton
The former Manchester City star’s contract at Napoli expires in 2027, with an option for another year. A source close to him informed ED that he wants to relocate to Belgium this winter, ‘but only as a country of residence’.
Flanders in Belgium is just over an hour’s drive from Eindhoven. This would make PSV more attractive to the Napoli player. Besides this, the Dutch club have had several Belgian players represent them.
Kevin De Bruyne can find out about PSV from Belgium manager Mark van Bommel, who managed them between 2018 and 2019. The national team physiotherapist, Eddy Pepels, also had a spell at the Dutch club.
ED states Peter Bosz’s attacking style would suit the Belgian, who can also compete for trophies as they are now leading the table. That won’t be easier at Everton.
De Bruyne would have to take a pay cut to join Bosz’s side in January. The latter know there are other clubs like Everton in the running to sign him. Despite this, PSV believe there are strong arguments for them to secure his services.
A move to PSV will see him move closer to Flanders and also compete for trophies. These are the factors that could push him towards PSV, but it’s not certain that he will join them.
