As Kevin De Bruyne prepares to embark on a new chapter with Serie A champions Napoli, the Belgian maestro is already making waves off the pitch. The 33-year-old, who recently sealed a blockbuster free transfer from Manchester City, has reportedly urged Napoli’s hierarchy to pursue one of his former City teammates, Jack Grealish, in a move that could derail Manchester United’s interest in the English winger. De Bruyne’s bold recommendation, rooted in his belief in Grealish’s untapped potential, signals Napoli’s ambition to dominate European football under Antonio Conte, while adding a fresh twist to the transfer saga surrounding the Premier League’s flair king.
De Bruyne’s move to Napoli, finalized after his City contract expired in June 2025, marked the end of a trophy-laden decade at the Etihad, where he won six Premier League titles and a Champions League crown. Welcomed by Napoli fans chanting “King Kev” and an iconic social media post depicting him on a throne, De Bruyne is already embracing his role as a leader. “It’s been unbelievable to have the 10 years that I had with everything that happened here,” he said during his emotional City farewell, reflecting on a career that saw him make 422 appearances and notch 177 assists. Now, as he links up with Belgium teammate Romelu Lukaku and former Premier League stars Scott McTominay and Billy Gilmour, De Bruyne is keen to shape Napoli’s squad with players he trusts.
Jack Grealish, the 29-year-old known for his dazzling dribbles and off-field charisma, has emerged as De Bruyne’s top pick. Grealish’s future at City has been uncertain since Pep Guardiola’s squad overhaul, with the winger struggling for consistent starts despite his £100 million price tag in 2021. “Jack’s got so much more to give,” De Bruyne reportedly told Napoli president Aurelio De Laurentiis, praising Grealish’s ability to “change games with his flair.” De Bruyne’s endorsement carries weight, given their successful partnership at City, where Grealish’s runs often benefited from De Bruyne’s pinpoint passes. Napoli, fresh off their second Serie A title in three years, see Grealish as the creative spark to replace Khvicha Kvaratskhelia, who joined Paris Saint-Germain in January.
The move could spell trouble for Manchester United, who had been circling Grealish as part of Ruben Amorim’s rebuilding project. United, stung by a trophyless season and a mid-table finish, viewed Grealish as a potential statement signing to inject flair into their attack, especially after failing to secure Napoli’s target Alejandro Garnacho. “United have been in talks, but Grealish is intrigued by Napoli’s project,” a source close to the player revealed, noting De Bruyne’s influence and the allure of Champions League football under Conte. Napoli’s sporting director, Giovanni Manna, has been proactive, having already held discussions with Grealish’s representatives to outline the club’s vision.
Napoli’s interest in Grealish aligns with their strategy of recruiting Premier League talent, with McTominay’s Serie A Player of the Month award in April and Lukaku’s 14 goals last season proving the formula’s success. However, the deal faces hurdles, with City demanding a £50 million fee for Grealish, whose contract runs until 2027. “We’re working to give our fans a new player,” Manna said during Napoli’s title parade, hinting at ongoing negotiations. De Laurentiis, known for his theatrical announcements, added fuel to the speculation, claiming, “Our intention is to build a team that competes for years,” while refusing to confirm specifics until contracts are signed.
For Grealish, the move represents a chance to reignite his career in a city where his personality could thrive. “Naples is a place where passion meets football,” said former Napoli star Dries Mertens, a close friend of De Bruyne, who reportedly discussed the club’s allure with Grealish. The winger’s ties to De Bruyne, whose family settled in Naples—where he married in 2017—could ease the transition. Meanwhile, United’s hopes of landing Grealish are fading, with Amorim now eyeing AC Milan’s Mike Maignan to address other squad needs.
As Napoli prepare for the Champions League, De Bruyne’s push for Grealish underscores his intent to leave a legacy beyond the pitch. Whether the deal materializes remains uncertain, but the prospect of “King Kev” and Grealish uniting in Naples has fans dreaming of a new era of dominance.
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