Kevin De Bruyne has bid farewell to Manchester City and embarked on a new chapter with Napoli. The Belgian maestro, now a Napoli player, is reportedly keen on orchestrating a ‘reunion’ with ex-City comrade, in what has been dubbed a ‘setback’ for Manchester United.
De Bruyne’s reputation as one of the Premier League’s finest midfielders is undisputed, yet recent years have seen him grappling with injuries, causing his standing at City to wane. With his contract winding down at the start of the 2024/25 season, speculation about his departure from the Etihad was rife.
April saw De Bruyne confirm his exit from Manchester City, ultimately opting for a move to Napoli, despite links to the MLS and Saudi Pro League. The Belgium international has signed a two-year contract and is reportedly eager for a current City player to join him at the Serie A titleholders.
According to The Sun, De Bruyne is keen on having Napoli manager Antonio Conte pursue a deal for City’s winger Jack Grealish. This development is perceived as a ‘blow’ for Manchester City, as Napoli are forced to decide between acquiring Grealish or Manchester United’s burgeoning talent Alejandro Garnacho, with funds allowing for just one signing.
De Bruyne is said to be ‘banking on his glowing endorsement’ of Grealish persuading Conte to take action during this transfer window.
As for the views from City and Grealish regarding a potential deal with Napoli, the report claims:
‘City would be forced to swallow a significant financial loss on the £100 million investment in Grealish from Aston Villa four years ago. Furthermore, Grealish, 29, would face a substantial salary cut, as Napoli is prepared to offer slightly more than half of his current £300,000-a-week wages. He appears amenable to this, aiming to position himself favourably in England manager Thomas Tuchel’s World Cup considerations.’
Ex-City stalwart Colin Hendry asserts that Grealish has been “unfairly criticised” while at the Etihad and suggests there are clubs in the Premier League that should consider signing him.
“I reckon he’s been harshly judged at times. There are perceptions of him that aren’t entirely accurate. Securing a £100m switch to City and clinching the treble doesn’t come without merit. At times, he’s been made the scapegoat,” Hendry stated.
“He’s an exceptional player with a pivotal decision on his hands. It’s a tremendous opportunity—leaving City adorned with medals and venturing somewhere he can freely showcase his talents. I hope he gets to silence his critics, even if he truly has nothing left to prove. Whether he returns to the Premier League, perhaps even Aston Villa, or ventures abroad, any club that signs him will be acquiring an extraordinary talent. Frankly, I believe he’d be an astute acquisition for a club like Arsenal, who are in need of additional creativity.”