The football world is abuzz with speculation following a tantalizing hint from Kevin De Bruyne, the Manchester City legend, suggesting that one of his former teammates could be eyeing a move to join him at Napoli. The 33-year-old Belgian maestro, who recently swapped the Premier League for Serie A after a decade of unparalleled success at the Etihad, has sparked intrigue with comments that point to a possible reunion with Jack Grealish, the out-of-favor Manchester City winger. This development comes as De Bruyne begins to carve out a new chapter in Italy, having signed a two-year deal with the Serie A champions this summer, leaving behind a legacy adorned with 16 trophies, including six Premier League titles and a Champions League crown.
De Bruyne’s departure from Manchester City, announced in April 2025, marked the end of an era. His heartfelt social media post captured the emotional weight of the decision: “Nothing about this is easy to write, but as football players, we all know this day eventually comes. That day is here—and you deserve to hear it from me first.” He reflected on the transformative decade, noting, “This city. This club. These people… gave me everything. I had no choice but to give everything back! And guess what—we won everything.” His 413 appearances for City yielded 106 goals and 174 assists, with his 118 Premier League assists trailing only Ryan Giggs’ record of 162. Pep Guardiola, City’s manager, hailed him as “one of the greatest midfielders ever to have played in this country,” a sentiment echoed by fans and pundits alike who see a statue in his honor as inevitable.
Now settled in Naples, De Bruyne has wasted no time igniting speculation about his next move—not for himself, but for Grealish, the 29-year-old Englishman who has struggled to secure a regular spot under Guardiola. When asked by Italian outlet Corriere dello Sport if Grealish had discussed a potential move to Napoli, De Bruyne’s coy response—“Maybe,” accompanied by a smirk—sent ripples through the transfer rumor mill. Grealish, who joined City for a staggering £100 million in 2021, has fallen down the pecking order, notably omitted from the Club World Cup squad and often relegated to the bench. His lackluster season, coupled with interest from clubs like Everton, has fueled talk of a fresh start. A move to Napoli could reunite him with De Bruyne, potentially recreating the magic they displayed as teammates in Manchester.
The prospect of Grealish joining Napoli is particularly intriguing given his ambition to cement a place in Thomas Tuchel’s England squad for the 2026 World Cup, following a runner-up finish at the 2020 European Championships. A change of scenery could reinvigorate the winger, whose flair and creativity once made him a standout at Aston Villa. De Bruyne’s influence could be pivotal, as the pair share a strong bond from their time at City, where they contributed to multiple titles together. “I feel like I still have a lot to give,” De Bruyne said recently, a sentiment that could resonate with Grealish, who at 29 is far from finished but in need of a platform to rediscover his spark.
Napoli, under the stewardship of Antonio Conte, offers an enticing destination. The club’s recent Serie A triumph and Champions League aspirations align with Grealish’s desire to compete at the highest level. However, the intense environment of Naples, both on and off the pitch, could pose a challenge for a player accustomed to the Premier League’s structure. Meanwhile, De Bruyne’s own transition to Italy is being closely watched, with his vision and passing already hinting at a new legacy in Serie A. His decision to rule out a Premier League return, as reported recently, underscores his commitment to a fresh challenge abroad, making his hint about Grealish all the more significant.
As the transfer window approaches, the football world waits to see if Grealish will follow De Bruyne’s path to Naples. The Belgian’s cryptic comment has set the stage for a potential blockbuster move, one that could reshape Napoli’s squad and offer Grealish a chance to revive his career. For now, De Bruyne’s words linger, a tantalizing tease of what could be a defining moment for both players and their clubs.
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