Dutch report claims PSV contacted De Bruyne camp over January move

What happened

PSV Eindhoven have made contact with the entourage of Napoli midfielder Kevin De Bruyne about a possible January transfer, according to a report in the Dutch newspaper De Telegraaf that was relayed by Corriere dello Sport. The Italian outlet described the approach as an initial sounding-out of the player's willingness to move, not an agreement, and stressed that so far it amounts only to a first contact between the parties.

Report details

The link follows speculation that surfaced last summer around the World Cup, which Corriere says the player himself addressed during the most recent international break. De Bruyne was with Belgium for Nations League duty at the time of the report. He is under contract with Napoli until 30 June 2027, with a unilateral option in the Italian club's favour, according to the source.

PSV's interest is framed around squad needs. After the departures of Veerman and Saibari, coach Peter Bosz has repeatedly said the squad lacks players capable of making the difference through individual quality, the report says. De Bruyne is presented as the ideal fit, and the article notes that PSV have previously signed players with extensive international experience, citing Ivan Perisic and Mario Gotze. It also lists Belgian internationals Eric Gerets, Luc Nilis and Timmy Simons among the most successful Belgians in the club's history.

One stated consequence of a January move concerns the Champions League. The report says De Bruyne could not be registered on the UEFA list for PSV's final two League Phase matches, against Viking and Stuttgart, but would be available for any play-off ties. No further developments, such as a fee or formal offer, are reported.