Kevin De Bruyne set to quit Napoli after one season as intermediaries explore Saudi and Turkey moves

Belgium midfielder Kevin De Bruyne is ready to leave Napoli after just a single season, with intermediaries instructed to seek a final big-money move for him in Turkey or Saudi Arabia, according to reports in France.

The former Manchester City playmaker, who turned 35 last month, is understood to be open to drawing the curtain on his European career, with clubs in the Turkish Super Lig and the Saudi Pro League emerging as the likeliest destinations.

French newspaper L’Equipe reported on Thursday that both De Bruyne and Napoli now appear prepared to go their separate ways, only a year after he joined the Serie A side on a free transfer following the expiry of his contract at City.

From Manchester City exit to Napoli frustration

De Bruyne had long been tipped to end his career in one of football’s lucrative emerging markets, and that prospect grew stronger when Manchester City opted not to renew his deal last summer.

Instead, he chose a surprise move to Napoli, influenced partly by lifestyle considerations, as he sought a new experience in Italy after a glittering spell in the Premier League.

However, his time in Naples has been underwhelming. A serious injury ruled him out for several months, denying him momentum and continuity in his new surroundings and limiting his impact on the pitch.

Tactical tensions and coaching changes

On returning from injury, the Belgium international is said to have been unhappy with the defensive style of former Napoli head coach Antonio Conte. The situation has not improved with the appointment of new manager Massimiliano Allegri, who is also renowned for a cautious, defence-first approach.

L’Equipe reports that Allegri’s arrival has done little to reassure De Bruyne about his role and influence in the team going forward, leaving him unconvinced about seeing out his contract in Serie A.

De Bruyne’s current deal with Napoli runs until June 2027, with the club holding an option to extend it for a further season. But the report suggests both parties are now actively considering an early separation.

Turkish and Saudi interest grows

The French outlet says intermediaries have already been tasked with identifying a new club for the midfielder, focusing primarily on Turkey and Saudi Arabia.

Galatasaray are named as one of the teams to have previously expressed interest in signing De Bruyne, while there is also said to be wider enthusiasm from other Turkish Super Lig sides and clubs in the Saudi Pro League, known commercially as the Roshn Saudi League.

Given that De Bruyne arrived at Napoli on a free transfer, the Italian club are expected to be flexible on any fee, with a relatively modest sum likely to be enough to secure his services. Napoli’s main motivation is believed to be removing his substantial salary from the wage bill as they remodel the squad under Allegri.

Final chapter for a modern great

De Bruyne, widely regarded as one of the finest midfielders of his generation, won multiple Premier League titles and a Champions League crown during his time at Manchester City, where he became synonymous with elite-level creativity.

Now, as he contemplates what is likely to be the final chapter of his playing career, the lure of a lucrative contract in Turkey or Saudi Arabia appears to be growing stronger.

With intermediaries already at work and Napoli seemingly ready to negotiate a cut‐price exit, De Bruyne’s short and troubled Italian adventure looks increasingly close to its end.