Napoli is reportedly shifting its primary transfer target to Jack Grealish of Manchester City, following their unsuccessful pursuit of Dan Ndoye, who joined Nottingham Forest.
Ndoye was initially Napoli`s preferred option for a wide attacking position, but the club was unwilling to exceed their offer of €35 million, plus an additional €5 million in bonuses, for the Bologna player.
Inter Milan’s Italian midfielder #23 Nicolo Barella (L) fouls Manchester City’s English midfielder #10 Jack Grealish (R) during the UEFA Champions League, league phase football match between Manchester City and Inter Milan at the Etihad stadium, in Manchester, north-west England, on September 18, 2024 (Photo by Oli SCARFF / AFP) (Photo by OLI SCARFF/AFP via Getty Images)
With several alternatives considered, Grealish appears to be gaining prominence as a top target, as reported by La Gazzetta dello Sport.
The England international, who will turn 30 in September, is currently under contract with Manchester City until June 2027.
This contractual situation suggests a potential loan move with an option for a permanent transfer at season`s end, offering Grealish a chance to revitalize his career and Napoli the flexibility to secure him long-term.
Napoli targeting Grealish opportunity
MANCHESTER, ENGLAND – APRIL 02: Jack Grealish of Manchester City looks on as he warms up prior to the Premier League match between Manchester City FC and Leicester City FC at Etihad Stadium on April 02, 2025 in Manchester, England. (Photo by Gareth Copley/Getty Images)
Grealish has reportedly been excluded from Manchester City`s pre-season squad, with indications that he should seek a new club.
This represents a significant decline for a player who, in the summer of 2021, broke transfer records with his €117.5 million move from Aston Villa.
His recent summer vacation on the Amalfi coast has fueled speculation that he might consider Napoli, particularly given the anticipated arrival of Kevin De Bruyne at Manchester City.
According to La Gazzetta dello Sport, Manchester City is seeking €45 million for Grealish`s transfer, and the player might be willing to accept a reduction from his current €10 million net annual salary.
