Overview
- Napoli sporting director Giovanni Manna said Thursday that Kevin De Bruyne is a Napoli player under a two-year contract with an option for a third and remains “part of the project.”
- Manna added the club did not appreciate De Bruyne’s public criticism of former coach Antonio Conte but said there is no ongoing problem and De Bruyne is expected to report for preseason under new coach Massimiliano Allegri.
- Andre-Frank Zambo Anguissa was declared not for sale by Manna and Romelu Lukaku’s future will be addressed when the striker returns from holiday after the World Cup.
- The club warned that heavy recent investment pushed Napoli beyond desired economic balances, which will force restrained summer spending and increase the need to prioritise sales before major purchases.
- Preseason plans are affected by defender Alessandro Buongiorno’s meniscus surgery, which will sideline him for two to three months, and staggered returns of internationals with Sam Beukema expected to join late in camp.