Agent Kevin De Bruyne! New Napoli star puts good word in for Jack Grealish as he asks Antonio Conte to make transfer swoop for ex-Man City team-mate
WHAT HAPPENED?
The Italian boss has been speaking to Kevin De Bruyne about Grealish to consider whether it is worth bringing the Englishman to Italy, according to the Sun. The Belgian midfielder joined the club this summer on a free transfer from City and may well be joined by his former team-mate as Napoli step up their initial interest. However, with the Italian club unable to spend overly lavishly, striking a deal with City could be made more complicated with Grealish’s wage demands proving steep.
THE BIGGER PICTURE
Napoli are seeking a new option to play on the left-wing and have identified both Grealish and Manchester United’s Alejandro Garnacho as targets. Both players have been told to find new clubs and Conte could be the man to breathe life back into their careers – in the same way he has done with Scott McTominay. Grealish, axed from City’s Club World Cup squad, will be desperate to find an escape this summer. However, given he has been criticised for his attitude and has a lack of suitors willing to match the price-tag set for him, an exit might not be so simple.
DID YOU KNOW?
Grealish became the most expensive British footballer of all time when he left Aston Villa to join City for £100 million ($139m) in the summer of 2021. With the weight of the transfer hanging over him, he initially struggled to find his place in the team. He then play a key role in helping City win the Champions League in 2023, but has since had his form and minutes drop off a cliff.
WHAT NEXT FOR GREALISH?
Despite his exile from the squad, Grealish remains a City player and could still force his way back into the fold. Yet, that appears unlikely and a move, potentially even on loan, is the best option to reignite the fire in a once supremely talented player. City will have to cut their losses with the chances of recouping their £100m outlay almost impossible.
