Jack Grealish, once hailed as England’s record-breaking £100 million signing, stands at a crossroads as Manchester City prepare to part ways with the charismatic winger. The 29-year-old, who joined from Aston Villa in 2021, has been told he will not travel with Pep Guardiola’s squad to the FIFA Club World Cup in the United States, a decision that signals the end of his turbulent four-year spell at the Etihad Stadium. With City setting a £40 million asking price—£60 million less than their initial investment—the club faces a significant financial hit, while Grealish grapples with an uncertain future. Despite his struggles, interest from Premier League and European clubs offers hope for a career revival.
Grealish’s time at Manchester City has been a tale of highs and lows. A key figure in the club’s 2022-23 treble-winning campaign, which saw them lift the Premier League, FA Cup, and Champions League, he played every minute of the Champions League final against Inter Milan. His flair and work rate endeared him to fans, and Guardiola praised his unique qualities. “I’m the person who fought for Jack to come here,” the manager said, emphasizing his belief in Grealish’s potential. However, the past two seasons have seen Grealish’s role diminish. In 2024-25, he started just seven Premier League matches, scoring three goals and providing five assists across 32 appearances. His omission from the FA Cup final loss to Crystal Palace and the final league game against Fulham underscored his slide down the pecking order.
The Club World Cup snub, confirmed ahead of City’s opening match against Wydad AC on June 18, has crystallized the club’s intent to move on. Guardiola, reflecting on Grealish’s limited minutes, was candid: “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. He needs to do it. With us or another place.” The decision to exclude Grealish from the 35-player squad allows him and his representatives to focus on securing a transfer, with City keen to facilitate a solution that benefits all parties.
Financially, Grealish’s departure poses challenges. His £300,000-per-week contract, which runs until 2027, may require a significant pay cut at a new club, complicating negotiations. A permanent transfer is City’s preference, but a loan move—similar to Jadon Sancho’s temporary switch from Manchester United—remains possible, especially given profit and sustainability concerns among potential suitors. Despite these hurdles, Grealish’s pedigree has sparked interest. Premier League clubs, including Crystal Palace and Nottingham Forest, are reportedly monitoring him, drawn to his dribbling and chance creation. Abroad, Napoli’s need for left-sided creativity makes them a potential destination, with Grealish’s style likened to that of their departed star Khvicha Davies.
For Grealish, the stakes extend beyond club football. His absence from England’s Euro 2024 squad and recent international friendlies has jeopardized his chances of reclaiming a spot under Thomas Tuchel for the 2026 World Cup. Regular football is non-negotiable if he hopes to revive his 35-cap international career. Responding to critics on social media, Grealish defended his record, retorting, “What do you want me to do, score a [hat-trick] in 20 [minutes]?” His frustration is evident, but so is his determination to prove his worth.
City, meanwhile, are wasting no time reshaping their squad after a trophyless 2024-25 campaign. A £46.3 million deal for AC Milan’s Tijjani Reijnders is complete, while Lyon’s Rayan Cherki and Wolves’ Rayan Ait-Nouri are expected to join before the Club World Cup. These signings signal a shift toward a younger, hungrier roster, leaving little room for Grealish. “It’s nothing personal with Jack,” Guardiola insisted, highlighting the tough selection decisions he faces with a 24-player squad.
As Grealish navigates this pivotal summer, his next move will define the twilight of his career. A return to Aston Villa, where he shone as captain, holds emotional appeal but seems unlikely given their depth in his position. Wherever he lands, Grealish’s talent—described by former Villa academy director Bryan Jones as the ability to “ghost past people”—remains undeniable. With City’s blessing and a host of suitors circling, the stage is set for Grealish to rediscover the spark that once made him English football’s golden boy.
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