As the summer sun bathes the picturesque Amalfi Coast, Jack Grealish, the charismatic Manchester City winger, has set tongues wagging with a playful response to questions about a potential move to Serie A champions Napoli. The 29-year-old, whose future at the Etihad Stadium hangs in the balance, was spotted training solo in Ravello, Italy, sparking speculation about a reunion with former teammate Kevin De Bruyne at Napoli. Grealish’s lighthearted comment to fans—“You already have De Bruyne in Napoli!”—delivered with laughter and winks, has only intensified the transfer rumor mill, hinting at a possible new chapter for the England star.
Grealish’s Italian sojourn comes at a pivotal moment. After a lackluster 2024-25 Premier League season, where he started just seven matches and logged a mere 143 minutes since January, his role at Manchester City has diminished. Pep Guardiola’s decision to exclude him from the Club World Cup squad and a crucial match against Fulham underscored the winger’s uncertain future. “He had a conversation with the club and they decided it was best,” Guardiola said, emphasizing Grealish’s need for regular game time. “Jack is an exceptional player. The only reason why he didn’t play last season is of course my decisions.” The manager’s candid remarks, paired with his earlier advice that Grealish must play “every three days” to thrive, suggest a departure from the Etihad is imminent.
Napoli, fresh off their second Serie A title in three years, have emerged as a leading contender for Grealish’s signature, bolstered by the recent arrival of Kevin De Bruyne on a free transfer. The Belgian maestro, who left Manchester City after a decade of brilliance, has reportedly been vocal in his support for Grealish, giving Napoli manager Antonio Conte a “glowing reference” for his former teammate. “Jack is so good at controlling the tempo of the game, at holding the ball. You can’t really get it off him, and then sliding through plays,” De Bruyne said in December, praising Grealish’s unique skill set. Their mutual admiration is evident—Grealish once called De Bruyne “the BEST I’ve ever had the pleasure to play with,” citing him as a key reason for joining City in 2021 for a record-breaking £100 million.
While training at a sports facility in Ravello, booked for the entire week, Grealish has been mobbed by Napoli fans eager for selfies and answers about his future. Emanuele Falcone, a local councillor, noted, “Lots of fans stopped him for a photo and asked him if he really could come to Napoli? Him? Never a denial, just laughter and winks.” Grealish’s coy response about De Bruyne has fueled excitement, with social media buzzing as Napoli supporters urge him to “come to Italy.” His presence in Naples, where he reportedly plans to visit on Friday, has further stoked speculation, though his driver, Salvatore, remained tight-lipped, saying, “I can’t ask him anything; he’s on holiday and maybe some questions would bother him.”
Napoli’s interest is part of a broader strategy to bolster their squad with Premier League talent, including Scott McTominay, Billy Gilmour, Romelu Lukaku, and Philip Billing. With £45 million to spend after selling Khvicha Kvaratskhelia to Paris Saint-Germain, Conte is weighing a move for Grealish against other targets like Manchester United’s Alejandro Garnacho. However, Grealish’s £300,000-a-week wages pose a challenge, and City may need to subsidize a deal or accept a loan with an obligation to buy, given their willingness to take a £50-60 million loss on their £100 million investment.
Other clubs, including Everton, Tottenham, Newcastle, and even Bayern Munich, have been linked, but Napoli’s Champions League pedigree and De Bruyne’s endorsement make them a compelling destination. For Grealish, who missed England’s Euro 2024 squad and faces a race against time to secure a spot in Thomas Tuchel’s 2026 World Cup plans, a move to Naples could offer a fresh start. As he trains under the Italian sun, Grealish’s cheeky quip and infectious charm keep the transfer saga alive, leaving fans wondering if a reunion with “King Kev” will soon light up Serie A.
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