Everton have made initial contact with Kevin De Bruyne's representatives about a surprise January move, according to reports in Italy. Sports Mole reports that the Toffees have spoken to the Belgian midfielder's camp to assess the "real chances" of bringing the former Manchester City star back to the Premier League.

De Bruyne, 35, joined Napoli on a free transfer in the summer of 2025 after ten years at Manchester City, where he made 422 appearances, scored 108 goals, registered 177 assists and won 19 trophies. His move to Italy has not gone as planned, and Italian outlet Calciomercato reports that he is going through a "mental decline" at the club and could look for a return to England in January.

The Belgian has played in all 15 of Napoli's Serie A and Champions League games this season, scoring four goals and providing two assists. His contract runs until June 2027, with Napoli holding an option for a further year, so any January deal would need the Italian club to agree to let him go midway through the season.

Why Everton are looking at De Bruyne

Reports in Italy suggest the move has stalled for De Bruyne in Naples. Former Napoli striker Roberto Carlos Sosa said last month that the "spark never really ignited" between the player and the club, while Il Mattino, relayed by Goal, has reported that a January exit would not be surprising amid dressing-room tensions between De Bruyne and some of his Napoli team-mates.

Everton manager David Moyes is looking to strengthen his squad for the second half of the season, and a player of De Bruyne's calibre would be a major addition. The 127-cap Belgium international is widely regarded as one of the best midfielders in Premier League history, and he could play as a deep-lying playmaker alongside James Garner or as a number 10, although Kiernan Dewsbury-Hall has established himself in that role for the Toffees.

What stands in the way of a deal

There are several obstacles before any transfer can happen. Napoli may decide not to release De Bruyne during the season and wait until June to discuss his future, and the club could demand a fee even though his deal runs until June 2027. Everton have also not made an offer to Napoli, with the contact so far limited to the player's representatives.

Moyes has also played down the prospect of January signings, saying before the Coventry City match: "No. At the moment, there's no plans for January, no." That makes a deal far from certain, but the reports from Italy show that Everton have at least asked the question about one of the Premier League's great midfielders.

Frequently asked questions

Has Everton signed Kevin De Bruyne? No. Reports say Everton have only made initial contact with his representatives to assess whether a January move is possible. No offer has been made to Napoli.

When does De Bruyne's Napoli contract end? His deal runs until June 2027, with Napoli holding an option to extend it by another year.

How many goals did De Bruyne score for Manchester City? He scored 108 goals and registered 177 assists in 422 appearances for City, winning 19 trophies including six Premier League titles.

Sources: Sports Mole and Sport Witness.