“We Will Do Everything to Bring Him Here” – Jack Grealish Now on Napoli’s Radar as Exit from Manchester City Nears
In a twist that has taken the summer transfer market by surprise, Napoli have emerged as serious contenders for the signature of Jack Grealish, the stylish English winger who is set to leave Manchester City in pursuit of more consistent game time. With Napoli president Aurelio De Laurentiis reportedly telling sources, “We will do everything to bring him here,” the Italian club appears determined to land one of the Premier League’s most high-profile and charismatic players.
As Grealish seeks to rediscover his spark after a frustrating season under Pep Guardiola, Napoli are offering him a fresh start—one that may just reignite his career and inject stardust into a squad looking to bounce back after a disappointing title defense in Serie A.
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Grealish’s Frustration at Manchester City
Jack Grealish arrived at Manchester City in the summer of 2021 for a British record fee of £100 million from Aston Villa. The move was heralded as the next big step in his career, giving him the platform to compete for the biggest trophies under one of the best managers in the world. And to his credit, Grealish has won it all—Premier League titles, FA Cup, Champions League, and Club World Cup.
However, individually, the move hasn’t brought the consistent minutes or central role he likely envisioned. Guardiola’s fluid system and the immense depth in City’s attacking positions have often left Grealish sidelined or rotated. Despite showing flashes of brilliance—especially during the treble-winning 2022–23 season—he managed just 10 Premier League starts in the 2024–25 campaign.
Sources close to the player suggest that Grealish has grown frustrated with his lack of consistent game time and believes a move abroad could help him get back to playing regularly and enjoying his football again. At 29, he is entering the peak years of his career and is keen to be a focal point, not a supporting act.
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Napoli’s Interest: A Statement of Intent
For Napoli, the interest in Grealish represents a bold statement of intent following a turbulent season. After winning the Scudetto in 2022–23 under Luciano Spalletti, the team suffered an unexpected slump in 2023–24, finishing outside the Champions League spots and going through multiple managerial changes.
With Antonio Conte now at the helm, Napoli are looking to rebuild, starting with a more aggressive recruitment drive aimed at reclaiming their place among Europe’s elite. Conte is reportedly a big admirer of Grealish’s technical quality, flair, and work ethic—attributes that he believes would thrive in Serie A, where tactical intelligence and ball retention are key.
Conte is also said to be keen on making Grealish a central figure in his new-look Napoli side—a guaranteed starter on the left wing in a 3-4-3 or 3-5-2 system, where his dribbling and creativity can unlock deep defenses.
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De Laurentiis: “We Will Do Everything”
Napoli president Aurelio De Laurentiis is known for being ambitious and occasionally controversial in the transfer market. But his latest remarks have made it clear that the club sees Grealish as a marquee addition.
> “Jack Grealish is a player of immense quality. If he is available, we will do everything to bring him here. Players like him can change the dynamic of a team. We need leaders, artists on the field. He fits perfectly into our vision.”
De Laurentiis has already greenlit discussions between Grealish’s representatives and Napoli’s sporting director Giovanni Manna, with talks reportedly at a preliminary but positive stage.
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Potential Deal Structure
Grealish’s high wages and transfer fee could prove challenging, but Napoli are exploring ways to make the deal viable. Manchester City are believed to be open to offers in the region of £50–60 million, especially if they can recoup a large portion of their initial investment and use the funds to target younger attacking talent.
Napoli, knowing they cannot compete with Premier League financial muscle directly, may structure a deal involving:
An initial loan with obligation to buy
Installment payments over several years
Possible inclusion of bonuses based on appearances and Champions League qualification
There is also speculation that City may be willing to lower the price if Napoli include a buyback clause or first refusal option—ensuring they retain some control over Grealish’s future value.
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Grealish’s View: Tempted by Italy
Sources close to Grealish suggest that he is “open and intrigued” by the idea of playing in Serie A, especially under a high-profile manager like Conte. Italy offers a slower-paced, more tactical environment, which could suit his style better than the intense physical demands of the Premier League.
There is also the appeal of living in Naples, a passionate football city with a rich history, fervent supporters, and a culture that celebrates expressive players. For someone like Grealish, whose love for the game goes beyond numbers and tactics, such an atmosphere could bring the joy back into his football.
The move could also help him secure a regular starting role for England, especially with Euro 2028 on the horizon and competition in Gareth Southgate’s squad as fierce as ever.
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What Grealish Would Bring to Napoli
If Napoli secure Grealish’s signature, they would gain a player with:
Elite ball-carrying ability – Grealish remains one of Europe’s top players in progressive carries and successful dribbles.
Creativity in the final third – He can draw defenders, win fouls, and thread key passes.
Big game experience – Having played in Champions League finals and Premier League title deciders, his presence would boost Napoli’s mentality.
Charisma and leadership – Grealish is a natural personality and could become a fan favorite in Naples with ease.
Pairing him with attacking players like Khvicha Kvaratskhelia (if he stays) or Victor Osimhen (should he remain at the club) could create one of the most exciting attacking units in Europe.
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What It Means for City
For Manchester City, letting Grealish go would mark the end of an era—but also signal a shift toward a more youthful and fluid forward line. With players like Jeremy Doku, Phil Foden, and Oscar Bobb rising in importance, and with potential targets like Michael Olise or Xavi Simons being tracked, the City attack is evolving.
Guardiola has always been pragmatic in allowing players to leave if they seek more prominent roles elsewhere. The sale of Raheem Sterling, Gabriel Jesus, and Ilkay Gündoğan were similar cases—and all made space for new ideas.
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Final Thoughts: A Bold New Chapter?
While still in its early stages, Napoli’s pursuit of Jack Grealish could become one of the most talked-about moves of the summer. For the player, it’s a chance to reignite his career. For Napoli, it’s a statement of ambition. For Manchester City, it could be a graceful parting with a player who gave them important moments—but now needs a fresh chapter.
If everything falls into place, Grealish in Naples could become a beautiful footballing romance, full of color, passion, and redemption.
As the transfer window heats up, this is one saga that’s worth keeping a very close eye on.
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