Napoli director confirms De Bruyne remains part of project despite tension
Quick summary
A Napoli director has publicly confirmed that Kevin De Bruyne remains central to the club's project, despite some recent words that were not appreciated by the club.
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Attributed to original sourceNapoli director Giovanni Manna admits they have financial constraints, but insists Kevin De Bruyne and Andre Frank Zambo Anguissa are staying despite ‘some words we didn’t appreciate’.
The Partenopei have had a very quiet summer so far, largely because they are forced to sell before making any new signings, having fallen foul of the financial fair play parameters within Serie A.
This is a tricky situation with the arrival of new coach Max Allegri, who has a rather different approach to predecessor Antonio Conte.
Napoli cannot spend big this summer NAPLES, ITALY – JULY 14: Giovanni Manna SSC Napoli sports director as Massimiliano Allegri is unveiled as the new SSC Napoli head coach at Teatro di San Carlo on July 14, 2026 in Naples, Italy. (Photo by Francesco Pecoraro/Getty Images) “The real objectives do not change, we are not weakening the team,” insisted Manna in a press conference today.
“We are called to get back within certain economic balances that last year we broke through because we invested a great deal over the last two seasons.
“The first under Conte was without Champions League qualification, so with less revenue. We have to make some choices, and it’s not easy, because the transfer market in Italy in general is pretty static right now. Only Fiorentina have made big investments.
“There is quality in the current squad, so if we need to sign someone, it will be to add something extra. The coach is evaluating the players, and there are many of them.”
That includes figures like Romelu Lukaku and De Bruyne, who are widely expected to leave Napoli this summer after the World Cup with Belgium.
“Lukaku is on vacation, coming off a good World Cup, so we’ll see when he returns. De Bruyne has no decision to make. He was useful to the team last season until his injury, now he is a Napoli player.
“He has not yet spoken to Allegri, we await him at pre-season training. He was an important investment for us, and delivered less than his potential, but is still part of the project,” assured Manna.
NAPLES, ITALY – AUGUST 30: Kevin De Bruyne of SSC Napoli during the Serie A match between SSC Napoli and Cagliari Calcio at Stadio Diego Armando Maradona on August 30, 2025 in Naples, Italy. (Photo by Francesco Pecoraro/Getty Images) It remains to be seen if De Bruyne agrees with that, considering he was very critical of Conte’s negative tactics , and is unlikely to see Allegri as much of an improvement.
“De Bruyne signed a two-year contract with an option for a third, so I don’t see why we need to keep asking what he’ll decide. When players sign contracts, they sign. Then the club decides what to do.
“I did not appreciate some of his words, but there’s no problem. Kevin doesn’t have to decide if he’s staying or leaving, he is part of the project and will put himself at the disposal of the coach, just like all the other players.
“Frank Anguissa has a contract with Napoli, so I see no need to negotiate with him. He is not for sale.”
NAPLES, ITALY – JULY 14: Andrea Chiavelli SSC Napoli AD, Giovanni Manna SSC Napoli sports director, Edoardo De Laurentiis SSC Napoli vice president, Massimiliano Allegri new SSC Napoli head coach and Aurelio De Laurentiis SSC Napoli President Massimiliano Allegri is presented as the new SSC Napoli head coach at Teatro di San Carlo on July 14, 2026 in Naples, Italy. (Photo by Francesco Pecoraro/Getty Images) There was bad news in pre-season with Alessandro Buongiorno requiring surgery to the meniscus in his knee, so is expected to be out for two to three months.
“That was a surprise for us. Sam Beukema should be with the squad towards the end of pre-season training in Castel di Sangro. We are evaluating the defence, but are in no rush.”
Allegri was a somewhat unexpected choice to replace Conte after he was sacked just one season into his Milan adventure.
NAPLES, ITALY – JULY 14: New SSC Napoli head coach Massimiliano Allegri and Aurelio De Laurentiis SSC Napoli President as Massimiliano Allegri is unveiled as the new SSC Napoli head coach at Teatro di San Carlo on July 14, 2026 in Naples, Italy. (Photo by Francesco Pecoraro/Getty Images) “He is motivated and coming off a campaign where for the first time he failed to achieve his objective,” continued Manna.
“We can go all the way in every competition. Every coach has a different working method, we’ll wait until the international players start work and then evaluate the situation.”
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What happened
Following reports of friction, a Napoli director has publicly backed Kevin De Bruyne, stating the Belgian playmaker remains a key part of the club's project. The director acknowledged that some recent comments were not appreciated but emphasized De Bruyne's importance going forward. The statement appears aimed at quelling speculation about De Bruyne's future at the Stadio Maradona after his summer move from Manchester City. The comments suggest a desire from the club hierarchy to move past any controversy and focus on the season ahead.
Chance analysis
This is a notable endorsement from the Napoli hierarchy that De Bruyne's role is secure, which should stabilize his status in the squad and reduce transfer speculation. The fact that the director addressed 'some words' suggests a public disagreement or interview comment that caused friction, but the club's clear backing indicates the issue is being managed internally. For prediction purposes, De Bruyne remains a key creative figure for Napoli and is unlikely to be sidelined due to this episode.
De Bruyne's standing at Napoli is reaffirmed, likely neutralizing any short-term availability or morale concerns stemming from the reported friction.
De Bruyne remains firmly in Napoli's plans; no expected disruption to his availability or role for upcoming matches.