Napoli Director Manna: De Bruyne Part of Project Despite Controversial Comments

FolioPitch.com – 23 July 2026 | Napoli director Giovanni Manna has made it clear that Kevin De Bruyne remains part of the club’s project, even if the Belgian’s recent remarks were not well received. In a press conference on Monday, Manna addressed the situation surrounding De Bruyne and other key players, emphasizing that Napoli director De Bruyne part of project even if we didn t appreciate some words.

Napoli have had a quiet summer transfer window so far, largely due to financial fair play constraints. Manna admitted the club must sell before making new signings, but he insisted that De Bruyne and midfielder Andre Frank Zambo Anguissa are not leaving. ‘De Bruyne has no decision to make,’ Manna said. ‘He was useful to the team last season until his injury, now he is a Napoli player. He is part of the project.’

The comments come after De Bruyne criticized former coach Antonio Conte’s negative tactics. With Max Allegri now at the helm, there is speculation that De Bruyne might seek an exit. However, Manna dismissed such notions. ‘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.’

Manna’s statements reinforce that Napoli director De Bruyne part of project even if we didn t appreciate some words is a stance the club is sticking to, despite any external pressure. The director also addressed the financial challenges Napoli faces. ‘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,’ he explained. ‘The first under Conte was without Champions League qualification, so with less revenue. We have to make some choices, and it’s not easy.’

De Bruyne signed a two-year contract with an option for a third in 2025, meaning he is under club control. Manna dismissed the idea that the player might force a move. ‘When players sign contracts, they sign. Then the club decides what to do,’ he said. This echoes the sentiment that Napoli director De Bruyne part of project even if we didn t appreciate some words is not just a throwaway line but a contractual reality.

On the injury front, Napoli will be without defender Alessandro Buongiorno for two to three months due to meniscus surgery. Manna confirmed that Sam Beukema should rejoin the squad toward the end of pre-season training. The club is evaluating defensive options but is in no rush to sign replacements.

Allegri, who replaced Conte after a single season at AC Milan, is motivated to succeed in Naples. ‘He is motivated and coming off a campaign where for the first time he failed to achieve his objective,’ Manna said. ‘We can go all the way in every competition.’

In conclusion, Napoli are navigating a challenging summer with financial constraints and key players like De Bruyne under scrutiny. Despite the tension over controversial comments, the club remains firm: Kevin De Bruyne is integral to their plans. Napoli director De Bruyne part of project even if we didn t appreciate some words is a message that will define the club’s stance as the new season approaches.