Kevin De Bruyne lined up for shock Premier League return by club nobody expected

Everton have made a shock approach to sign former Manchester City midfielder Kevin De Bruyne, according to reports in Italy.

The six-time Premier League winner swapped Manchester for Napoli in the summer of 2025 but has struggled in large spells at the Serie A club.

Now, according to reports from Italian media, the ex-Manchester City man is being lined up by Everton for a shock Premier League return, with contact having been initiated.

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Kevin De Bruyne approached by and in contact with Everton for shock Premier League return

According to CalcioMercato, Everton have displayed strong interest in De Bruyne, and have “already initiated initial contact with the player’s entourage.”

The report notes that Everton are assessing the deal’s “real chance,” but that Napoli will need to be convinced to depart from their Belgian midfielder.

De Bruyne has notched 15 goal contributions in 36 appearances for the Serie A side, with six of those involvements arriving this term.

At the weekend, Napoli endured a 1-1 draw with Lazio, with the Belgian squandering a clear 1-on-1 opportunity to win the clash.

As a result, De Bruyne was withdrawn before the final whistle. Last season, the 35-year-old experienced tensions with then-manager Antonio Conte.

Now playing under Massimiliano Allegri, the ex-Manchester City man is enjoying a stronger relationship with his new Napoli coach, but tensions persist for De Bruyne elsewhere.

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Kevin De Bruyne to leave in January amid Napoli dressing room tensions as Everton chase

According to Il Mattino, and relayed by Goal, a De Bruyne exit in January wouldn’t be surprising, amid dressing room tensions between the Belgian and some of his Napoli teammates.

The publication noted that the 35-year-old’s future is “uncertain,” despite Allegri’s best efforts to make De Bruyne feel accommodated in Naples.

Everton have now entered the ring to offer the ex-Manchester City man a solution - to return to the Premier League and, instead of rivalling Merseysiders, play on Merseyside.

CalcioMercato said in the editorial team’s report: “The Belgian midfielder appears to be in a mental decline and could sensationally return to the Premier League in January.

“Napoli may decide not to release De Bruyne during the season, postponing any discussions in June,” they continued, noting that the Serie A side will “need to be convinced.”

“Everton are reportedly interested in the former Manchester City player and have already initiated initial contact with the player’s entourage to assess the deal’s real chances.

“We will be following this story closely and, as always, will keep you updated,” concluded the report.

Should he join Everton, he would likely miss out on a reunion with former City teammate Jack Grealish.

Grealish, who is on loan at Everton, is expected to have his loan cut short in January, when a potential De Bruyne transfer could materialise. Previously, the pair combined well during Manchester City’s treble-winning 2022/23 season.

The Belgian playmaker is currently 43 Premier League assists behind all-time leader Ryan Giggs.