In a move that has sent shockwaves through the football world, Jack Grealish, Manchester City’s £100 million star, has been excluded from the club’s squad for the FIFA Club World Cup, set to kick off in the United States on June 14, 2025. The decision by manager Pep Guardiola has been labeled the “nail in the coffin” for Grealish’s tenure at the Etihad, prompting former players and fans alike to urge the 29-year-old to make an emotional return to his boyhood club, Aston Villa. As speculation about his future intensifies, Grealish’s career stands at a pivotal moment, with his flair, passion, and potential now seeking a new stage to shine.
Grealish’s journey at Manchester City began with high expectations in 2021, when he joined from Aston Villa for a then-British record £100 million transfer fee. His dynamic dribbling and creative spark had made him a local hero at Villa Park, where he registered 16 goal contributions in his final Premier League season. At City, he played a key role in the 2022-23 Treble-winning campaign, securing three Premier League titles, a Champions League, an FA Cup, and a Club World Cup. However, the past two seasons have been challenging. In 2024-25, Grealish started just seven Premier League matches, contributing only one goal and struggling to secure a regular spot ahead of players like Jeremy Doku. His omission from the FA Cup final squad against Crystal Palace, where Guardiola opted for 19-year-old debutant Claudio Echeverri, was a stark signal of his diminished role. “For whatever reason, Pep’s done with him. He doesn’t like him, his time is up, it really is,” said former England striker Alan Shearer, capturing the sentiment that Grealish’s City chapter may be closing.
The Club World Cup snub has fueled speculation about Grealish’s next move, with many pointing to Aston Villa as the ideal destination. Former Villa teammate Henri Lansbury suggested a return “when the time is right,” emphasizing Grealish’s need to rediscover his love for the game. Lee Hendrie echoed this, noting that Grealish has “lost his enjoyment” under Guardiola’s tactical constraints, which have curbed his maverick style. At Villa, Grealish could slot into Unai Emery’s squad, potentially replacing loanee Marcus Rashford, and compete with players like Leon Bailey and Jacob Ramsey for a starting spot. A loan deal could be feasible, though his £300,000-per-week wages pose a challenge for a permanent transfer.
Grealish has not remained silent amid the speculation. Responding to a fan on social media who criticized his form, he fired back, “Haha I’ve been bad lately? Scored three goals in my last three appearances over 45 mins but okie dokie love x,” and added, “What u want me to do, score a hatty in 20?” His frustration was palpable, reflecting a player eager to prove his worth. Despite limited minutes, Grealish’s recent contributions—six goals and assists in the 2024-25 season—show glimpses of the talent that once made him England’s most expensive signing.
Guardiola, however, has defended his decisions, insisting the snubs are not personal. “Who said I’m not happy with Jack? Rico [Lewis] was not selected, [James] McAtee was exceptional against Aston Villa and Wolves—why not ask me about McAtee?” he said after the FA Cup final. “I’m the person who fought for Jack to come here and the person who fought for him to stay here this season and the next season. I am the one who said ‘I want Jack Grealish’.” Yet, Guardiola also acknowledged Grealish’s need for regular football, stating, “Of course Jack has to play. He’s an unbelievable player that has to play football every three days. It didn’t happen this season and last season either. It’s a question for Jack, his agent, and the club.”
With City’s Club World Cup campaign looming against Wydad Casablanca, Juventus, and Al Ain, the club is poised for a busy summer. They’ve secured a £46.3 million deal for AC Milan’s Tijjani Reijnders and are targeting Wolves’ Rayan Ait-Nouri, signaling a squad refresh. For Grealish, interest from Premier League clubs like Tottenham and Everton, as well as European sides like AC Milan and Fenerbahce under Jose Mourinho, offers options. A move to Al Hilal in Saudi Arabia, where former City teammates Riyad Mahrez and Joao Cancelo play, has also been floated. However, a return to Villa holds emotional weight, offering a chance to reignite his career at the club where he first dazzled fans. As former City goalkeeper Shay Given put it, “The writing is on the wall,” and Grealish’s next step could define his legacy—both for club and country, with England’s 2026 World Cup squad in his sights.
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