Kevin De Bruyne pushes for Gabriel Jesus as Napoli’s missing piece

Kevin De Bruyne, who rarely comments on transfer decisions, has publicly urged Napoli to sign former Manchester City striker Gabriel Jesus, saying the Brazilian offers a profile the Italian club currently lacks.

De Bruyne broke his usual neutrality in an interview with Corriere dello Sport, speaking directly about what Jesus could add to the squad coached by Massimiliano Allegri.

Napoli have kept Jesus on their radar in recent weeks, yet talks have not progressed beyond preliminary interest. The interest places Jesus among the latest names circulating in European Transfers for the 2026/27 window.

Jesus’ qualities for Napoli

De Bruyne highlighted Jesus’ ability to play associatively, his experience in English football and the quality he brings in attack, support play and build‑up. “What does he bring? Quality. Quality in attack with the ball, in the support play and in the construction of moves,” he said.

He added that Jesus provides a profile Napoli does not have, unlike Rasmus or Lorenzo, and could help the team if he arrives.

Proven pedigree and stats

De Bruyne and Jesus were teammates at Manchester City for years, winning major English titles together. Jesus has scored 79 Premier League goals in 243 matches, the second‑most by a Brazilian after Roberto Firmino.

Across all English competitions he totals 126 goals and 67 assists in 358 games, including 31 goals and 22 assists for Arsenal. His English career began in 2017 and includes spells at both Manchester City and Arsenal.

Internationally, Jesus has recorded 19 goals and 13 assists in 64 appearances for Brazil.

De Bruyne stressed that beyond the numbers, Jesus “knows how to win,” a trait he values for Napoli’s ambitions.

If the move materialises, Napoli could broaden their attacking options while Jesus would gain a new platform in Italy; De Bruyne’s endorsement underlines the potential mutual benefit.