Kevin De Bruyne Recommends Jack Grealish to Napoli: A Surprising Transfer Twist Unfolding in Italy 🇮🇹💥
In one of the more unexpected developments of the summer transfer window, Manchester City star Kevin De Bruyne has reportedly recommended his teammate Jack Grealish to Italian side Napoli. According to The Sun, the two players have already spoken about the move, and Grealish is said to be enthusiastic about the idea of a new chapter in Italy’s Serie A. However, the major hurdle standing in the way is his staggering €17 million gross salary per season — a figure far above what Napoli traditionally pays its players.
🔁 From Manchester to Naples: A Career Reset for Grealish?
Jack Grealish joined Manchester City in 2021 in a record-breaking £100 million move from Aston Villa. Heralded as the next big creative spark for Pep Guardiola’s side, the Englishman had a mixed start at the Etihad. While he has had standout moments — especially in City’s treble-winning 2022/23 campaign — his overall impact has often come under scrutiny. With limited game time last season due to injuries and Guardiola’s increasing reliance on other attacking options like Jeremy Doku and Phil Foden, Grealish’s long-term role in the City squad has come into question.
His form has wavered, and a move away from England could provide him with the environment he needs to rediscover his best football. Serie A is known for its more tactical, less physically demanding play style — a setting that could suit Grealish’s intelligent movement, close control, and dribbling ability.
🧠 Kevin De Bruyne’s Role: A Quiet Influence Behind the Scenes
Kevin De Bruyne’s recommendation carries significant weight. The Belgian playmaker is not only one of the most respected figures at Manchester City but also someone whose footballing IQ and tactical insight are highly regarded. That he has spoken positively about Grealish to Napoli hints at his belief that the Englishman would thrive in a different league, and particularly under a system like Napoli’s.
De Bruyne’s endorsement reportedly came after casual conversations with Napoli representatives, who are on the lookout for marquee players to replace outgoing stars. It also suggests that City may be preparing for changes within their squad, and De Bruyne, being one of the team’s senior voices, could be subtly steering the direction of outgoing and incoming talent.
💸 The Salary Roadblock: Napoli’s Financial Constraints
The biggest complication in any potential transfer lies in Grealish’s salary. Earning €17 million gross annually (approximately £290,000 per week), Grealish is one of the top earners at Manchester City. Napoli, by contrast, operate on a much leaner wage structure. Even their highest-paid players — including Victor Osimhen and Piotr Zieliński (prior to his exit) — earn significantly less than that.
Napoli’s president, Aurelio De Laurentiis, has a reputation for being extremely cautious with finances. He has repeatedly stated his unwillingness to pay exorbitant wages or break the club’s strict salary caps, which helped maintain financial stability even during Italy’s recent footballing financial crises. For Grealish to arrive, either City would have to subsidize part of his wages, or the player himself would need to accept a drastic pay cut — possibly with performance bonuses and a longer-term deal to compensate.
🇮🇹 Napoli’s Ambitions: A Club in Transition
Napoli are entering a new phase. After their historic 2022/23 Scudetto win, the club suffered a disappointing title defense, losing key figures like Luciano Spalletti and failing to build on their momentum. The club’s hierarchy is eager to refresh the squad under new management and remain competitive in both Serie A and the Champions League.
Bringing in someone of Grealish’s profile — an England international, Champions League winner, and globally recognized figure — would mark a major statement. He would not only help on the pitch but also increase the club’s global visibility, merchandise sales, and marketability.
Sportingly, Grealish would be an ideal fit in a creative role behind the striker or even out wide in Napoli’s fluid attacking system. His ability to draw fouls, retain possession, and deliver in tight spaces would add a valuable dimension to their play — especially if Osimhen leaves and Napoli decide to reconfigure their attack.
🤝 Mutual Interest Growing?
Reports suggest that Grealish is open to the move and even “keen” on a fresh start in Italy. At 29, he is approaching what should be the peak years of his career. A move to Serie A could not only rejuvenate his form but also reassert his place in the England squad ahead of the 2026 World Cup. Italy has recently become an attractive destination for top players from the Premier League looking to revive their careers — Fikayo Tomori, Chris Smalling, and Romelu Lukaku being examples.
For Napoli, this could also serve as an opportunity to attract more Premier League talents who might be considering a change of environment without sacrificing competitive football at the European level.
💬 What Are City Thinking?
From Manchester City’s perspective, parting ways with Grealish might make sense financially and tactically. Guardiola is already evolving the team’s attacking patterns, with younger, more direct options coming to the fore. With Jeremy Doku emerging as a powerful option on the left wing and Phil Foden increasingly playing through the middle or in advanced positions, Grealish’s role has become less assured.
Selling or loaning him out — especially if it reduces the wage bill — could free up space for other targets or accommodate internal promotions. It might also allow Grealish to play regularly, which Guardiola may see as fair to the player, especially given his service and attitude since arriving at the club.
🔍 What Would It Take to Make This Happen?
Several potential solutions could bridge the wage gap:
- Loan with Wage Sharing – City could loan Grealish to Napoli for a season with a 50–60% wage contribution. This is common in Italian football and would give Napoli a trial period.
- Permanent Transfer with Lowered Salary – If Grealish agrees to take a significant cut and signs a longer deal with bonuses, Napoli could stretch their structure.
- Sponsorship-Driven Deal – Napoli could pursue commercial partnerships that help fund the transfer, leveraging Grealish’s brand appeal.
- Structured Purchase Option – Napoli could arrange a two-year loan with an obligation to buy, spreading the cost and helping with financial fair play.
🧩 Final Thoughts: An Unlikely Deal With Growing Possibility
Though still in the speculative stage, the possibility of Jack Grealish joining Napoli is becoming more realistic thanks to Kevin De Bruyne’s unexpected intervention. While his salary is undeniably a major challenge, football transfers are increasingly creative, and deals that once seemed impossible are now more feasible with layered structuring.
If the player is truly committed to the move — and if De Laurentiis senses a commercial opportunity — we may yet see Grealish don the blue of Napoli next season. A move that once seemed unlikely may now be on the cusp of reality.
Stay tuned — Naples may soon have a new English king. 👑🇮🇹
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