Everton open talks to bring struggling Kevin De Bruyne back to the Premier League

Everton are in talks to sign Kevin De Bruyne in January, with the club making contact with the Belgian’s representatives over a potential return to the Premier League, according to Italian outlet Calciomercato.

De Bruyne, 35, left Manchester City last summer after a decade at the Etihad, signing for Napoli on a deal that runs until 2027. The move to Serie A has not gone to plan, however, with Calciomercato reporting that the playmaker “appears to be in a decline mentally” and could return to England in the winter window.

Everton’s approach represents one of the most high-profile transfer moves in the club’s recent history. The Merseysiders are currently sixth in the Premier League and enjoying a positive campaign under David Moyes, though the squad has been stretched by a relatively quiet summer in the transfer market.

The club sold striker Beto without bringing in a direct replacement, leaving Thierno Barry as the only recognised centre-forward at the Hill Dickinson Stadium. A failure to replace the retired Seamus Coleman at right-back has also forced midfielder Merlin Rohl into the position.

Adding De Bruyne — who made 288 Premier League appearances for City, accumulating close to 200 goal involvements and winning six league titles — would represent a significant statement of intent from Everton.

Whether Napoli president Aurelio De Laurentiis is willing to sanction a mid-season departure is far from certain. De Bruyne’s contract includes a club option for a further year beyond 2027, giving Napoli leverage in any negotiations. Transfermarkt currently values the Belgian at €8 million.

Everton’s January business is likely to be shaped in part by the situation surrounding Jack Grealish, who is on loan from Manchester City but was dropped by Moyes after reportedly missing a training session. With a permanent deal for Grealish now considered highly unlikely, the club may look to redirect those resources toward a move for his former City teammate.