Nov 14, 2026 6:30 AM

Unhappy in Italy, the Belgian playmaker eyes a move to Eindhoven as his family seeks a return home, prioritizing personal comfort over his lucrative Serie A contract.

PSV have emerged as a genuine option for Kevin De Bruyne, with Belgian journalist Niels Vleminckx confirming that the Eindhoven club features on the midfielder's shortlist as he considers his future at Napoli.

Speaking to Voetbal International, the Het Laatste Nieuws journalist revealed that De Bruyne is open to a move to PSV, with his family's desire to leave Naples and return to Belgian Limburg playing a significant role in his thinking.

The 35-year-old remains under contract with Napoli until the summer of 2027, with an option for an additional year. However, his family's reported unhappiness in Italy has raised the possibility of an earlier departure.

IMAGO/Italy Photo PressIMAGO/Italy Photo Press

Family Considerations Put PSV In Contention

Transfer journalist Nicolò Schira first reported last Wednesday that PSV had informed De Bruyne of their interest. The latest comments from Vleminckx suggest the Belgian is receptive to the idea of moving to Eindhoven.

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The journalist admitted that he initially paid little attention to the reports but changed his assessment after speaking to people familiar with the midfielder's situation.

“To be honest, I initially attached little importance to the news that PSV was interested, but after some inquiries with people who know him well, it turned out that he is indeed open to a move to PSV,” Vleminckx told Voetbal International.

“They want to make Belgium their home country; as far as she is concerned, sooner rather than later. In Naples, they never felt at home.”

De Bruyne and his wife are understood to favour a return to Belgian Limburg, which would bring them closer to family. Eindhoven's location could make PSV an attractive destination, offering the midfielder the opportunity to continue playing at a high level without moving too far from home.

Salary May Not Be Decisive

De Bruyne's financial demands could be another important aspect of any potential deal, but Vleminckx believes money is not the midfielder's priority.

The journalist revealed that PSV are among three or four clubs on the Belgian's list, suggesting the Eindhoven side have a realistic chance of securing his signature.

“I was told that there are three, four clubs on his list and that PSV is on it,” Vleminckx said, as quoted by PSV Inside.

He added that there are relatively few clubs within comfortable travelling distance of Belgium where De Bruyne could feel at home while playing an attacking and dominant style of football.

“In this case, money is really secondary,” he explained, suggesting the midfielder would be prepared to accept a significant reduction in salary if it meant leaving Naples and living closer to his family.

IMAGO/Italy Photo PressIMAGO/Italy Photo Press

PSV Face Opportunity To Sign An Experienced Star

De Bruyne spent a decade at Manchester City between 2015 and 2025, establishing himself as one of the world's leading midfielders before leaving England on a free transfer for Napoli.

His future in Italy now appears uncertain, with PSV potentially offering an opportunity to return closer to home.

Although no agreement has been reached, the latest developments indicate that PSV are more than just an outside possibility. With family considerations taking precedence over financial rewards, the Eindhoven club could have a genuine opportunity to bring the experienced Belgian international to the Eredivisie.

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