Jack Grealish continues to face uncertainty in his club career but remains expected to depart Manchester City on either a loan or permanent move this summer.The 29-year-old has been the subject of mul...
Jack Grealish continues to face uncertainty in his club career but remains expected to depart Manchester City on either a loan or permanent move this summer.
The 29-year-old has been the subject of multiple enquiries from clubs in England and abroad, with City open to facilitating a move under the right conditions. Napoli have remained one of the most consistent names in the conversation, with reports indicating that the Serie A side tabled a proposal earlier this summer.
The Premier League giants are considering loan exits as the most realistic short-term solution, especially given the forward’s high wages and anticipated declining game time under Pep Guardiola from last season into the new campaign.
Rayan Cherki’s arrival earlier in the summer, along with the return of Oscar Bobb from injury, has increased competition in the attacking ranks and added to doubts over Jack Grealish’s long-term role at the Etihad Stadium.
While other clubs – namely West Ham and Tottenham – have also been linked, Grealish’s personal preference to remain in Europe rather than accept interest from Saudi Arabia has made Napoli’s pursuit particularly intriguing. And now, an interesting twist has emerged courtesy of one of his former City teammates.
Speaking in a new interview with Corriere dello Sport in Italy, Kevin De Bruyne was asked specifically whether Manchester City’s outgoing forward had asked him about Naples.
The former Etihad Stadium superstar is said to have smiled, before responding, “Maybe,” and laughing again.
De Bruyne was also asked for his thoughts on the difference between Pep Guardiola and Antonio Conte, to which he detailed, “I’d say they’re two different ways of playing: Pep is probably a little more focused on ball control and possession.
“While Conte is a little more structured in his game and focuses a lot on mentality. Pep works more on the zonal area. There are a couple of different things, but every coach has his own principles and characteristics.”
Kevin De Bruyne’s response will do little to quiet speculation surrounding a potential switch to southern Italy. Napoli remain one of the few clubs on the continent with the profile, ambition, and system to offer Jack Grealish both playing time and a new challenge at the highest level.
The Italian giants are continuing to assess wide attacking options, and a deal for Grealish – whether permanent or loan-based – would hinge on compromises across salary contributions and squad planning. However, their persistent interest and now indirect involvement of a figure like De Bruyne adds further weight to the rumours.
From Manchester City’s side, no formal decision has seemingly been made, and Grealish remains part of the club’s pre-season group for now. But with time ticking on the summer transfer window and interest abroad heating up, a concrete development could be on the horizon.
Category: General Sports
