The summer transfer window is ablaze with intrigue, and Napoli’s newly minted star Kevin De Bruyne is at the heart of it, pushing for a blockbuster reunion with his former Manchester City teammate Jack Grealish. Having swapped the Etihad for Serie A’s reigning champions in June 2025, the Belgian maestro is already shaping Napoli’s ambitions under Antonio Conte. De Bruyne has reportedly given Grealish a “glowing” endorsement, urging Conte to bring the English playmaker to Naples to ignite a dynamic partnership. As the Italian club aims to defend their title and shine in the Champions League, this potential transfer could redefine their season and signal a new era of Premier League talent in Italy.
## De Bruyne’s Napoli Arrival and Grealish’s City Struggles
De Bruyne’s move to Napoli, finalized on a free transfer after his Manchester City contract expired, was a seismic shift for Serie A. The 33-year-old, who amassed six Premier League titles and a Champions League crown during his decade at City, was welcomed with fanfare, with Napoli president Aurelio De Laurentiis dubbing him “King Kev.” Despite lucrative offers from MLS and Saudi Arabia, De Bruyne chose Napoli for its competitive edge, with his father emphasizing his desire to “play at the highest level.” Now, he’s advocating for Grealish, his teammate of three trophy-laden years, to join him at the Diego Armando Maradona Stadium.
Grealish’s future at Manchester City, meanwhile, has grown bleak. The 29-year-old, signed for a record-breaking £100m from Aston Villa in 2021, started just seven Premier League games in the 2024/25 season, with only one in 2025. His exclusion from City’s 27-man Club World Cup squad was a stark signal, with Pep Guardiola candidly stating, “Jack had a conversation with the club, and they decided it was best.” Guardiola praised Grealish’s past contributions—“without him it would have been more difficult in the year of the Treble”—but stressed the need for regular playing time: “We decide that he has to play.” With two years left on his £300,000-a-week contract, City are open to a permanent sale or a loan with an obligation to buy, potentially at a significant loss.
## A Strategic Fit for Conte’s Napoli
Conte, known for reviving careers, has been probing De Bruyne for insights on Grealish, whose flair and versatility could fill the void left by Khvita Kvaratskhelia’s departure to PSG. “Kev! Merci for tout,” Grealish once said of De Bruyne, crediting him as a key reason for joining City: “The best player I’ve ever played with, without a doubt.” Their on-pitch chemistry, forged in 92 games together with 63 wins, makes them a tantalizing prospect for Napoli. De Bruyne’s “very positive” feedback, as shared with Conte and sporting director Giovanni Manna, highlights Grealish’s potential to thrive in Conte’s attacking system, offering creativity and dribbling prowess on the left flank.
Napoli’s squad already bristles with former Premier League stars, including Scott McTominay, who earned Serie A Player of the Year honors, Billy Gilmour, Romelu Lukaku, and Philip Billing. A Grealish signing could see six ex-Premier League players in Conte’s starting XI, amplifying Napoli’s European ambitions. However, finances pose a challenge. Grealish would need to halve his £300,000 weekly wages, with Napoli offering just over £150,000. Reports suggest he’s willing, driven by a desire to “force his way back into Thomas Tuchel’s World Cup plans” for 2026 and the allure of Champions League football in Naples’ passionate atmosphere.
## Competition and Alternatives
Napoli faces competition from Tottenham and Everton, with the latter eyeing Grealish as a “marquee signing” for their new Bramley-Moore Dock stadium. Yet, Serie A’s appeal and De Bruyne’s personal lobbying give Napoli an edge. The club has a £45m budget for a winger, with Manchester United’s Alejandro Garnacho as an alternative, but De Bruyne’s push for Grealish could tip the scales. “Conte has a vision, De Bruyne is the key, Grealish the possible catalyst,” one observer noted, envisioning a reborn partnership that could echo their Treble-winning days at City.
## Napoli’s Bold Ambitions
De Bruyne’s arrival has already electrified Napoli fans, who mobbed him at Villa Stuart clinic during his medical. His two-year contract, with an option for a third, signals long-term commitment, and his influence off the pitch is proving equally potent. “De Bruyne, more than just a star, seems to have become the architect of the new Napoli,” a commentator remarked. If Grealish joins, Napoli could field a side brimming with Premier League pedigree, challenging Italy’s giants and making waves in Europe.
As the transfer window, open until September 1, 2025, unfolds, Napoli’s pursuit of Grealish will be a saga to watch. Sky Sports and ESPN will provide live updates, while fans on X are abuzz, with one posting, “De Bruyne and Grealish at Napoli? Serie A’s about to get wild!” Whether Grealish dons Napoli’s blue jersey or not, De Bruyne’s bold vision is already reshaping the club’s future, promising a season of flair and ambition.
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