Kevin De Bruyne has set his sights on a transfer to PSV Eindhoven after exploring a departure from Napoli this winter, according to Helmond transfer Mounir Boualin.
The 35-year-old midfielder has multiple options to leave Italy, but his preference lies with a move closer to home, Omroep Brabant reported. AD Rik Elfrink added that initial talks have already taken place between the parties, with the player’s entourage meeting with the Dutch club. VoetbalPrimeur said that transferexpert Fabrizio Romano also confirmed those discussions.
PSV has made concrete contact, though a deal is not yet finalized. De Bruyne remains under contract with Napoli until the summer of 2027, with an option for an additional season, meaning the Italian club will demand a multi-million-euro transfer fee.
Lacroix seeks a return to Limburg
The player’s wife, Michèle Lacroix, stated in September that the family wants to return to the Belgian region of Limburg as soon as possible. “We want to live in Limburg again. The sooner the better,” she told magazine NINA. “Kevin leads a very enclosed existence in Naples. We can’t do anything together as a family in the city either.”
Belgian Limburg sits roughly an hour’s drive from Eindhoven. Meanwhile, a return to the Jupiler Pro League appears off the table. Het Laatste Nieuws reported that a comeback in his home country is not under consideration because the player does not see enough sporting advantage or appeal in playing under that level of scrutiny again. De Bruyne himself previously confirmed that a domestic return is not part of his immediate plans.
On the Golden Shoe Gala, he was asked if he would ever play in the Jupiler Pro League again.
“Als ik op een dag terugkeer naar België, is het om plezier te maken en dicht bij huis te zijn. Maar dat zit momenteel niet in mijn hoofd,” he said, and added: “Ik zie een terugkeer naar België absoluut niet als een plan voor mezelf. Ik zie er sportief geen voordeel in.”
Bosz's attacking style attracts the player
Coach Peter Bosz helps lead the club's pursuit. Elfrink said that the player would certainly be receptive to the attacking style implemented by Bosz over the past three and a half seasons. While the team faces competition in the midfield with players like Guus Til, Sven Mijnans, and Paul Wanner, the club views the potential acquisition as a way to raise the internal standards. The squad also features wingers such as Ruben van Bommel and Ivan Perisic.
This season goes slightly more difficult, but PSV continues with its own playing style: very attacking, with pressure on the opponent and always with a drive for initiative, and does so in European matches as well, which sometimes leaves them vulnerable, as recalled by the Champions League match against Club Brugge.
This season, the club from Eindhoven leads again after 12 matchdays, albeit with a narrow bonus of 1 point over Feyenoord and Ajax, following a campaign last year where PSV became the earliest champion ever in the Netherlands.
No personal agreement has been reached yet with the player. Boualin reported that while discussions can progress quickly in the coming period, Napoli’s stance and the financial terms remain key variables in any winter deal.
Questions about De Bruyne's contract and move
What is the duration of Kevin De Bruyne’s contract with Napoli?
De Bruyne is under contract with Napoli until the summer of 2027, with an option for an extra season.
Which Belgian clubs were ruled out for his next career step?
Het Laatste Nieuws reported that a return to the Belgian domestic league—including clubs like Club Brugge, RSC Anderlecht, and KRC Genk—is not under consideration.
How far is Belgian Limburg from Eindhoven?
Belgian Limburg is approximately a one-hour drive from Eindhoven, aligning with the family’s relocation preference stated by Michèle Lacroix.
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