De Bruyne denies the departure, but admits Napoli's tough start

Kevin De Bruyne reiterated that he did not try to leave SSC Napoli during the summer transfer window, but he admitted that the team is experiencing a difficult start under the guidance of Massimiliano Allegri, with only seven points collected in the first five rounds of Serie A 2026‑27.

De Bruyne's statements

During a press conference with the Belgian national team, held on Tuesday, Kevin De Bruyne, also known as Bruyne, responded to transfer rumors, stating: “No, I haven’t spoken to anyone about it. I simply enjoyed the holidays and returned straight to Naples.” He then added that the club is experiencing “a difficult start” under Massimiliano Allegri.

De Bruyne explained that “the details make the difference between our seven points and the 10 or 11 we could have deserved”, recalling the missed victory in the final minute against Inter.

Naples' context in Serie A

SSC Napoli records the worst Serie A start of the last ten years, with only seven points collected in the first five rounds of the 2026‑27 season. The team has already faced high‑level opponents, but the results have not allowed it to surpass the ten‑point threshold in the context of Serie A.

Italian sources reported on Tuesday that the behind‑the‑scenes situation at the Maradona Stadium is becoming “rather unpleasant”. The news suggests internal tensions that could affect the team’s performance.

At the end of the 2025‑26 campaign, De Bruyne was out for five months due to an injury. During that period, rumors circulated about his possible move to MLS and his clash with Antonio Conte, which had previously led to his departure from the club.

On 9 September 2026 De Bruyne took part in the group stage of the UEFA Champions League against Arsenal at the Diego Armando Maradona Stadium. Two weeks later, on 20 September 2026, coach Massimiliano Allegri was seen at the Artemio Franchi Stadium during the Serie A match against Fiorentina, confirming his direct involvement in the team’s management.