As the 2025 summer transfer window approaches, Manchester United have emerged as a surprise contender to sign Manchester City’s Jack Grealish, a player whose £100 million move from Aston Villa in 2021 once promised to redefine his career. The 29-year-old England international, who played a pivotal role in City’s 2022-23 treble triumph, has seen his star fade under Pep Guardiola, sparking speculation about his future. Grealish, reportedly feeling “frozen out” by his manager, is at a crossroads, with United among several Premier League clubs eyeing a move to revive his stalling career.
Grealish’s frustration stems from his diminished role at the Etihad. This season, he has started just seven Premier League matches, with only one start in 2025, a stark contrast to his prominence during City’s historic treble. His exclusion from the FA Cup final against Crystal Palace, where Guardiola opted for 19-year-old debutant Claudio Echeverri and veteran Ilkay Gundogan over him, was a public blow. “For him to bring a debutant on, a young boy, and Gundogan on when they’re desperate for a goal… his time is up, he has to leave,” said Alan Shearer on The Rest is Football podcast, echoing the sentiments of many who see Grealish’s days at City numbered. The winger’s limited output—three goals and five assists in 31 appearances this season—has fueled doubts about his fit in Guardiola’s system.
Guardiola, addressing Grealish’s situation, remained noncommittal about the player’s future. “We didn’t talk, I didn’t talk with him,” he said, indicating that discussions will involve outgoing director of football Txiki Begiristain, his successor Hugo Viana, and Grealish’s representatives at season’s end. The manager acknowledged the challenge of managing a large squad, stating, “As a manager, I cannot train 24 players and every time I select I have to have four, five, six, stay in Manchester at home because they cannot play.” This pragmatic stance underscores Grealish’s struggle to secure consistent minutes, with players like Jeremy Doku, Savinho, and Phil Foden preferred in attacking roles.
Manchester United’s interest comes as they look to bolster their squad under new manager Ruben Amorim, who is reportedly keen to add creativity and experience. Grealish, with 39 England caps and a proven track record in big moments, could be a statement signing for the Red Devils, who suffered a 1-0 loss to Tottenham in the Europa League final. A move to Old Trafford would carry added poignancy after Grealish faced hostility from United fans during a 0-0 draw at the Manchester Derby, where he was allegedly slapped entering the tunnel. “He doesn’t feel good,” Guardiola noted, reflecting on the incident’s toll. Despite this, Grealish’s professionalism shone through as he attended Kevin De Bruyne’s farewell party, staying until 1:35 a.m. to honor his departing teammate.
Other clubs, including Tottenham, Newcastle, and Grealish’s boyhood club Aston Villa, are also in the race, with odds favoring Spurs at 7/2. A return to Villa Park would hold emotional weight, but United’s interest signals their ambition to capitalize on City’s willingness to entertain offers between £38-43 million—a significant loss on their £100 million investment. Nottingham Forest and even AC Milan have been linked, with the latter exploring a loan deal to navigate Grealish’s £300,000-per-week wages. Former United goalkeeper Ben Foster urged Grealish to seek a move where he can be “the main man again,” suggesting a fresh start could unlock “another four or five years of Jack Grealish being at his best.”
As Grealish prepares for the FIFA Club World Cup with City, his focus remains on performing, but the summer looms large. A move to United could reignite his career, offering a chance to prove himself at a rival club desperate for success. For now, Grealish’s fate hangs in the balance, with his talent undeniable but his future uncertain in Guardiola’s evolving squad.
# Manchester United Eye Jack Grealish Amid Manchester City Struggles
## A Star Sidelined
Jack Grealish, Manchester City’s £100 million signing from Aston Villa in 2021, finds himself at a career crossroads. Once a key figure in City’s 2022-23 treble-winning campaign, the 29-year-old has started just seven Premier League matches this season, with only one in 2025. His exclusion from the FA Cup final against Crystal Palace, where Pep Guardiola chose teenager Claudio Echeverri and Ilkay Gundogan over him, underscored his fall down the pecking order. “For him to bring a debutant on, a young boy, and Gundogan on when they’re desperate for a goal… his time is up, he has to leave,” said Alan Shearer, capturing the growing sentiment that Grealish’s City tenure is nearing its end.
## Feeling Frozen Out
Grealish has reportedly told friends he feels “frozen out” by Guardiola, having played just one minute in City’s last four matches. His limited output—three goals and five assists in 31 appearances—has seen him overtaken by Jeremy Doku, Savinho, and Phil Foden. Guardiola, addressing the situation, said, “We didn’t talk, I didn’t talk with him,” deferring decisions to director of football Txiki Begiristain and his successor Hugo Viana. He added, “As a manager, I cannot train 24 players and every time I select I have to have four, five, six, stay in Manchester at home because they cannot play,” highlighting the squad depth that has marginalized Grealish.
## Manchester United’s Opportunity
Manchester United have emerged as a surprise contender to sign Grealish, with new manager Ruben Amorim eyeing his creativity to bolster a squad that lost 1-0 to Tottenham in the Europa League final. Grealish’s experience, with 39 England caps, makes him an attractive target, though his recent experience at Old Trafford—where he was allegedly slapped by a fan during a 0-0 derby draw—left him shaken. “He doesn’t feel good,” Guardiola noted. Despite this, Grealish’s professionalism was evident as he stayed until 1:35 a.m. at Kevin De Bruyne’s farewell party, honoring his teammate.
## Rival Interest and Future Prospects
Tottenham, Newcastle, Aston Villa, and Nottingham Forest are also linked, with Spurs favored at 7/2 odds. A return to Villa, Grealish’s boyhood club, would be emotionally charged, while AC Milan explores a loan deal to manage his £300,000-per-week wages. Ben Foster urged Grealish to find a club where he can be “the main man again,” predicting “another four or five years of Jack Grealish being at his best.” With City open to offers between £38-43 million, United could seize the chance to revive a player whose talent remains undeniable, setting the stage for a dramatic summer transfer saga.
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