Kevin De Bruyne Wants Napoli To Sign 29-Year-Old Manchester City Player: Should The Sky Blues Sell Him? | OneFootball

Manchester City are going through a period of internal readjustment after confirming the departure of Kevin De Bruyne. The Belgian, an emblem of the club for years, left the Etihad as a free agent after the board decided not to renew his contract.

Frequent injuries reduced his impact in recent seasons, and while his legacy remains intact, the team opted to look to the future. This loss is not a minor one: De Bruyne was instrumental in winning six Premier League titles. However, the focus now shifts to a different figure, but also shrouded in doubt: Jack Grealish.

Kevin De Bruyne Wants Napoli To Sign 29-Year-Old Manchester City Player

According to The Sun, De Bruyne is pushing for Napoli to accelerate their interest in Grealish. Antonio Conte, the Italian side’s new coach, has himself asked the Belgian playmaker about the English winger’s qualities.

Grealish did not have a consistent game time in the 2024/25 season, partly due to technical decisions and partly due to injuries. De Bruyne has given Conte very positive references, which could prompt a formal offer. Napoli, who are looking to strengthen ambitiously, believe the Englishman would fit into their system, and this internal backing increases the chances of a concrete deal.

Opinion:

The stakes are high for Manchester City. Selling Grealish could free up significant funds and allow for signings with more physical with technical qualities, something Guardiola seems to value more and more.

However, parting with a player with the creativity of the former Aston Villa is not a light decision. Even if the 29-year-old has not performed at his best, his quality is still evident, and in a large squad like City’s, those technical resources can make all the difference in tight games.

If De Bruyne can be persuaded to leave, the club will have to assess not only the financial aspect, but also the tactical impact – is there an immediate replacement, or will they miss out on a share of a quality that few others in the squad offer?

Letting him go might sound logical from an economic point of view, but Guardiola rarely sacrifices control in favour of the balance sheet. So the final decision will reveal more than just a transfer: it will show what kind of football City want to move towards post-De Bruyne. Retaining Grealish may not be urgent, but it is wise. Because, even from the bench, his talent is not expendable.