Jack Grealish, once the poster boy of English football and the record-breaking £100m transfer to Manchester City in 2021, finds himself at a crossroads as the summer transfer window heats up. The 29-year-old winger, celebrated for his flair and pivotal role in City’s 2022-23 treble-winning campaign, is reportedly on the chopping block as the club looks to streamline its squad. However, despite interest from other Premier League and European clubs, a permanent move seems unlikely, with a loan deal emerging as the most realistic option. Grealish’s journey from Aston Villa’s talisman to a Manchester City benchwarmer raises questions about his fit in Pep Guardiola’s system and whether a change of scenery could reignite his career.
Manchester City’s 2024-25 season was a rare disappointment, with the club finishing third in the Premier League and ending the year without silverware for the first time in recent memory. The absence of key midfielder Rodri due to an ACL injury exposed vulnerabilities, prompting a squad overhaul that began in January 2025. City have invested around £110m in new signings this summer, including high-profile names like Florian Wirtz from Bayer Leverkusen, signaling an aggressive rebuild. To balance the books and make room for emerging talents like Savinho and Phil Foden, who have overtaken Grealish in the pecking order, the club is open to offloading high-earners. Grealish, with his £100m price tag and hefty wages, is a prime candidate. “He’s struggled to fit into Pep’s tactical system,” a source close to the club noted, reflecting on Grealish’s meager 716 minutes of Premier League action last season, where he failed to score more than five goals.
Grealish’s decline has been stark. His market value, once a record-breaking €117.5m, has plummeted to €28m, a €32m drop that underscores his limited game time and inconsistent form. Injuries, including a recurring groin issue, have hampered his ability to deliver consistently, and younger players have seized opportunities in Guardiola’s fluid attacking setup. Despite flashes of brilliance—his role in the 2022-23 treble, including a Champions League triumph, remains a highlight—Grealish has not lived up to the expectations of his transfer fee. “Whether the 29-year-old talent is capable of helping a major club to serious silverware is certainly debatable,” one analyst remarked, “but few would doubt his credentials as an excellent top-flight forward.”
Interest in Grealish persists, with West Ham United reportedly making informal inquiries about a potential deal. The Hammers see value in his creativity and Premier League experience, which could bolster their attacking options under Julen Lopetegui. Other clubs, both in England and abroad, are also monitoring the situation, drawn by Grealish’s knack for drawing fouls and his ability to unlock defenses with his dribbling. However, a permanent transfer faces hurdles. His high wages and diminished market value make clubs hesitant to commit to a nine-figure fee, and City’s reluctance to sell at a significant loss further complicates matters. “A loan move might be the only way for Manchester City to get rid of Jack Grealish this summer,” an insider revealed, suggesting a temporary move could allow Grealish to rediscover his form while City assess their long-term options.
The precedent for such a move exists. Manchester City’s experience with Kalvin Phillips, whose value tanked after limited game time, serves as a cautionary tale. Phillips, signed for £55m, was loaned out and later sold at a loss, a scenario City are keen to avoid with Grealish. A loan could benefit all parties: Grealish would gain regular playing time, potentially boosting his market value, while City could defer a permanent decision until 2026. For Grealish, the move is personal as well as professional. “I love playing for City, but I need to be playing more,” he reportedly told friends, hinting at his frustration with his bit-part role.
As the transfer window progresses, Grealish’s situation will be a litmus test for City’s squad management strategy. The club’s proactive approach to squad renewal—evidenced by their £290m investment in new players since 2024—has been fueled by smart sales, such as Yan Couto to Dortmund for £25m. But Grealish’s case is trickier, given his status as a homegrown star and fan favorite. For clubs like West Ham, a loan deal could be a low-risk opportunity to harness Grealish’s undeniable talent. “If he can find a club that are willing to give him a starting role next season, then Grealish’s fortunes could turn around very quickly,” one pundit predicted. With the Premier League season looming, all eyes are on whether Grealish can reclaim his spark and prove his £100m valuation was no fluke.
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