Football Transfer Rumor: De Bruyne Recommends Grealish as Napoli Prepares £45m Bid for Winger
Napoli's Summer Shopping: De Bruyne Pushes for Grealish, Garnacho as Alternative
June 23, 2025 – Napoli new boy Kevin De Bruyne is reportedly urging the club to sign Manchester City teammate Jack Grealish this summer, with the Serie A side earmarking £45 million for either the English winger or Manchester United's Alejandro Garnacho, according to The Sun.
De Bruyne's Serie A Reunion Plan
The 33-year-old Belgian midfielder joined Napoli earlier this month after City refused to offer a new contract. Now, he has set his sights on reuniting with Grealish, who fell out of favor at City after being excluded from the Club World Cup squad. Despite interest from multiple clubs, City are yet to receive a formal bid for the 29-year-old.
Napoli boss Antonio Conte has consulted De Bruyne about Grealish's potential move, and the Belgian "has spoken highly of the winger's dribbling and creative ability," The Sun claims. City paid a then-record £100 million for Grealish in 2021, but could lose nearly half of that fee if he joins Napoli for £45 million.
Wage Cut vs World Cup Dream
For Grealish, moving to Naples would mean a 50% pay cut – the Serie A side offers a weekly wage just over £150,000, half of his current £300,000 deal. However, the move could revive his England career: impressing under Conte might earn him a spot in manager Thomas Tuchel's 2026 World Cup plans. Everton have also eyed Grealish as a marquee signing for their new stadium, but the allure of Italian football appears stronger.
Garnacho: The £45m Backup Plan
Napoli's shortlist also includes Man United's 19-year-old winger Alejandro Garnacho, who showed flashes of brilliance last season. The Red Devils value the Argentine at £40-45 million, but De Bruyne reportedly prefers the "ready-made quality" of Grealish, believing the experienced winger is "vital for title challenges
Serie A Giant's Bold Wager
From signing De Bruyne to chasing Grealish, Napoli are reshaping their squad with rare ambition. After missing out on the Serie A title last season, Conte's side could become Juventus and Inter's strongest rivals if they secure a top-class winger. The potential transfer involving two Premier League stars has set the stage for an intriguing "Serie A vs Premier League" battle in the summer window.
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