De Bruyne Napoli exit rumours have been dismissed by the Belgian midfielder, who says he never considered leaving the Serie A side

Kevin De Bruyne, Napoli midfielder and Belgium international, on Tuesday, 22 September 2026, dismissed reports that he had considered leaving Napoli during the summer transfer window, saying he enjoyed his holiday before returning directly to Naples.

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The 35-year-old midfielder addressed the speculation while speaking to reporters during Belgium’s international camp.

Reports had suggested that De Bruyne was unhappy at Napoli after his first season in Italy, particularly during Antonio Conte’s tenure, prompting speculation that the former Manchester City star could seek a move away from the Serie A champions.

De Bruyne, however, offered a firm response to the reports.

“No, I have not really spoken to anyone about it. I just enjoyed my holidays and went straight back to Naples,” he said.

The Belgian’s comments appear to settle questions over whether he had actively explored an exit during the transfer window.

De Bruyne joined Napoli in June 2025 on a free transfer after ending a remarkable 10-year spell with Manchester City.

His arrival was one of the biggest moves of the summer, with Napoli securing a player who had won multiple Premier League titles and the UEFA Champions League during his time in England.

His first campaign in Italy came amid a period of change at Napoli. Conte eventually departed the club, with Massimiliano Allegri taking over as manager.

The managerial change has given De Bruyne a new tactical environment in which to establish himself.

Rather than pursuing another transfer, the midfielder said he simply returned to Naples after his holiday and resumed preparations with the club.

De Bruyne has also continued to feature for Belgium, where his experience remains valuable as the national team prepares for its upcoming international fixtures.

His latest comments are particularly significant because speculation over his future had emerged despite his relatively recent arrival at Napoli.

The midfielder’s decision to remain also gives him an opportunity to build on his first season in Serie A and adapt further to Allegri’s methods.

De Bruyne’s move to Italy marked a major new chapter after a decade at Manchester City, where he became one of the most influential midfielders in the Premier League era.

At Napoli, he is now attempting to establish a similarly important role while adapting to a different footballing culture and tactical system.

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For now, De Bruyne’s position is clear. Despite reports linking him with a possible departure, he says he never sought to leave Napoli and remains focused on continuing his career with the Italian champions.