De Bruyne Denies Napoli Exit Rumors, Acknowledges Tough Start to Season

FolioPitch.com – 23 September 2026 | Kevin De Bruyne has firmly denied rumors that he attempted to leave Napoli during the summer transfer window, but the Belgian midfielder has acknowledged that the club has endured a challenging beginning to the 2026-27 campaign. In a candid press conference with the Belgium national team on Tuesday, De Bruyne claims he didn’t try to leave Napoli but admits a rough start to the season, addressing speculation about his future and the team’s early struggles under new manager Massimiliano Allegri.

Napoli have collected just seven points from their first five Serie A matches, marking their worst start to a season in a decade. The Partenopei have already faced a gauntlet of top opponents, including a narrow defeat to Inter Milan in which they conceded a late goal. “We’ve had a rough start to the season, we’ve played a lot of strong teams already,” De Bruyne explained. “We even had the chance to win it in the final minute against Inter, but we still lost. Those details are the difference between our seven points and the 10 or 11 we might’ve deserved.”

Despite the disappointing results, the former Manchester City star remains optimistic about the team’s overall performance. “We’re not doing so well in terms of points, but I think we’re doing fine,” he added. This perspective is shared by some within the club, who believe that the fine margins in matches have been the primary cause of the points deficit.

Rumors of De Bruyne’s discontent had been swirling since the end of last season, when he missed five months through injury and reportedly fell out with then-manager Antonio Conte. Reports suggested that the 35-year-old was considering a move to Major League Soccer, with several clubs interested in securing his services. However, De Bruyne has now put those rumors to rest. “No, I haven’t really spoken to anyone about it. I just enjoyed my holidays and went straight back to Naples,” he stated when asked if there was any truth to the speculation.

The midfielder’s relationship with Conte was said to have deteriorated during the 2025-26 campaign, leading to questions about his long-term future at the Stadio Diego Armando Maradona. But with Conte’s departure and Allegri’s arrival, De Bruyne had hoped for a fresh start. Yet, recent reports from Italy indicate that Allegri is growing frustrated with the performances of some veterans, including De Bruyne, echoing the tensions that existed under Conte.

Allegri, who took over in the summer, has been tasked with revitalizing a Napoli side that finished outside the Champions League places last season. The early results have been underwhelming, and the pressure is mounting on the former Juventus boss to turn things around. De Bruyne’s form has been a particular focus, with some pundits questioning whether he can still perform at the highest level after his injury-plagued spell.

However, De Bruyne remains defiant. The player, who has earned over 100 caps for Belgium, insists that he is fully committed to the Napoli project and is determined to help the club climb the Serie A table. “I just enjoyed my holiday and then went straight back to Napoli,” he reiterated, emphasizing his dedication. Once again, De Bruyne claims he didn’t try to leave Napoli but admits a rough start to the season, underscoring his focus on the challenges ahead rather than dwelling on past rumors.

Napoli’s upcoming fixtures present an opportunity to recover, with matches against mid-table opposition on the horizon. The club’s supporters will be hoping that De Bruyne’s experience and leadership can inspire a turnaround. The Belgian’s presence in the squad is seen as crucial, especially given his ability to unlock defenses with his vision and passing range.

As the international break concludes, De Bruyne will return to Naples to prepare for a crucial Serie A clash. The midfielder’s comments have provided some clarity, but the scrutiny on both him and Allegri will only intensify if results do not improve. For now, De Bruyne claims he didn’t try to leave Napoli but admits a rough start to the season, and he remains focused on helping the Partenopei rediscover their winning form.

In conclusion, while De Bruyne has silenced exit talk, the pressure remains on Napoli to deliver. The coming weeks will be pivotal in determining whether this season can be salvaged. De Bruyne’s commitment is clear, but the team’s performances must improve to match his ambition. As the Serie A campaign unfolds, all eyes will be on the Stadio Maradona to see if the Belgian’s faith in the project is rewarded.