Jack Grealish has been linked with a move away from Manchester City this summer, and speculation is only set to increase after the England international left the UK
Speculation surrounding Jack Grealish‘s potential departure from Manchester City this summer has intensified after the England star left the UK. And the driver responsible for getting him to his final destination has shed light on the trip.
Grealish had an underwhelming season with City, recording just three goals and five assists across all competitions. His contributions in the Premier League were limited to one goal and one assist, with Pep Guardiola favouring Jeremy Doku and Savinho over the 29-year-old.
His limited involvement last season, his first at Manchester without any silverware, has led many to believe that Grealish is set to exit the club. And his omission from City’s FIFA Club World Cup squad last month has only fuelled those theories.
A return to Aston Villa has been mooted for Grealish, who has also reportedly caught the eye of Newcastle. However, a move to join forces with Kevin De Bruyne at Napoli has also been suggested, per the Manchester Evening News.
City legend De Bruyne ended his decade-long association with the club this summer and opted to sign a two-year deal with the Italian giants. Napoli recently clinched their second Serie A title in three seasons as Antonio Conte immediately put the club back atop the Italian pyramid.
Although no official discussions have taken place to bring Grealish to Italy, his hefty wages are said to be a stumbling block. And it may mean City potentially have to subsidise part of his salary to facilitate the move.
Speculation over a potential transfer intensified after it emerged the winger had left the UK earlier this week, touching down in Naples. After his arrival at Capodichino airport, he was whisked away to the Amalfi Coast, and his driver, Salvatore, spoke on ‘Radio Goal’ about his brief time with Grealish.
“Grealish is still on the Amalfi Coast; I took him there,” said the driver. “I can’t tell you where he’s training, but yes, he’s here. I took him this morning; he’s been here for two or three days now.
“Maybe he has some contact with Napoli. I picked him up at the airport, took him to the coast, and this morning he did his first training session. I can’t ask him anything; he’s on holiday and maybe some questions would bother him.”
Guardiola previously addressed Grealish’s limited game time last season amid swirling rumours regarding his future. But he attributed the Englishman’s lack of involvement to nothing more than selection choices.
“The only reason he didn’t play minutes was me, not because he was incorrect or whatever,” said the City chief. “He’s a top player, but the players have to compete with each other, and last season Doku was incredible in many games and Savinho made the step up for his first season.”
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