Napoli Transfer Market: Manna Warns De Bruyne: “When you sign, sign. Unwelcome comments.”

Napoli sporting director Giovanni Manna, speaking at a press conference from the team’s training camp in Dimaro-Folgarida, addressed the comments made by Kevin De Bruyne at the end of last season. The Belgian attacking midfielder had said he was happy about Antonio Conte’s departure and had complained about the team’s defensive mindset. He had also expressed a desire to discuss his future with the club based on the tactical plans of incoming coach Massimiliano Allegri.

Manna’s response was clear: “De Bruyne doesn’t have to make any decisions; he signed a two-year contract with an option to extend. He got injured last year, but while he was here, he was a valuable asset. I don’t see any need to speculate on what he’ll decide. When players sign, they sign—then the club decides what to do.”

“Kevin belongs to Napoli; Coach Allegri hasn’t spoken with any players yet. When he arrives, he’ll make himself available like everyone else,” Manna continued. “He’s had a complicated year. He was a major investment in terms of both financial value and appeal; he didn’t perform as well due to injuries, but he’s a champion, and I don’t see any negatives.”

De Bruyne is currently on vacation following the 2026 World Cup, but he’s expected to return to training in early August, coinciding with the second phase of summer training: “We’re still dealing with some fallout; personally, I certainly didn’t appreciate his comments, but we’ll talk about it—it’s no problem. He’s part of the project; there’s nothing to decide,” Manna concluded.