Napoli want to sign De Bruyne’s successor from PSV: winter deal looms
Napoli have Sven Mijnans in their sights as a possible successor to Kevin De Bruyne, La Gazzetta dello Sport reports. The 26-year-old PSV midfielder is firmly on the Italian club's radar, while De Bruyne could move in the opposite direction. PSV are known to be interested in the Belgian star.
For some time, technical director Giovanni Manna has had his scouting department monitor Mijnans. He sees the midfielder as a possible addition to Napoli's midfield. La Gazzetta calls the PSV player a 'force of nature', possibly referring to his running ability and dynamism. Napoli are assessing what reinforcements they need during the winter transfer window.
The uncertainty over De Bruyne's future is driving Napoli's interest in Mijnans. The 35-year-old Belgian's contract is due to expire, although Napoli have an option to extend it by a year. PSV have contacted Napoli to ask about his situation.
According to La Gazzetta dello Sport, PSV have asked whether Napoli intend to exercise the option. The Eindhoven club also appear to be exploring whether they could bring De Bruyne in sooner. De Bruyne has not ruled anything out: "I have received several messages; we will see what happens."
A January departure for De Bruyne is among the possibilities, according to the Italian newspaper. Napoli do not need to sell him for financial reasons, but his considerable salary is a factor. If PSV make an attractive offer and the Belgian is open to a new adventure, negotiations could begin.
With André-Frank Zambo Anguissa's contract also expiring next summer, Napoli are preparing for the possibility that he could leave. The midfielder could depart as early as January, so Napoli are looking for reinforcements regardless. The search would become more pressing if both Anguissa and De Bruyne leave.
Mijnans is among the players Napoli are considering. The club's management know the Dutch market extremely well and have maintained good contacts with PSV for years. It remains unclear whether Napoli will make a bid for the midfielder.
Over the years, the two clubs have done business several times. Dries Mertens moved from PSV to Napoli for around €10 million in 2013, while Hirving Lozano made the same move for €38 million in 2019. Mijnans may follow their example, while De Bruyne could go the other way.
