The verb pecisar only requires "de" to be linked with nouns; if the complement is another verb, they are linked directly.
(eu preciso de você = I need you) (Eu preciso fazer isto = I need to do this)
The girl lost her watch. She needs it. (Ela precisa dele - relógio)
The girl lost her boyfriend. She needs him (Ela precisa dele - namorado)
It depends on the context