Manchester City, ever at the forefront of strategic squad management, are facing a pivotal summer transfer window with the imminent departures of two prominent England internationals: Kyle Walker and Jack Grealish. These anticipated sales underscore Pep Guardiola’s ongoing squad evolution and the club’s commitment to maintaining a competitive edge while balancing financial considerations.
Kyle Walker, the veteran right-back and club captain, appears poised to leave the Etihad Stadium.1 His departure comes after a season where his playing time has fluctuated, including a loan spell at AC Milan in the latter half of the 2024-25 campaign. While the move to Italy initially suggested a permanent switch, AC Milan ultimately opted against a full transfer, sending the 35-year-old back to his parent club.2 With just 12 months remaining on his contract, Walker is clearly not in Pep Guardiola’s long-term plans, a fact underlined by his exclusion from City’s squad for the Club World Cup.
Reports indicate that Walker is closing in on a surprise move to Everton.3 It’s understood that the experienced defender has reached an agreement on a one-year deal with David Moyes’s side, with the two clubs currently negotiating whether it will be a permanent transfer or a 12-month loan.4 This potential move to Goodison Park would see Walker join a side looking to strengthen their defense after finishing 13th last season, and his experience could be invaluable to their ambitions for the 2025-26 campaign in their new stadium. Turkish giants Fenerbahce, under Jose Mourinho, had also reportedly made an offer for Walker, but it seems Everton have moved decisively in the race for his signature.5
Meanwhile, Jack Grealish’s future at Manchester City also seems destined for a new chapter. The winger, who arrived for a staggering £100 million in 2021, has struggled to consistently nail down a starting spot under Guardiola.6 His output of just 17 goals and 23 assists in 157 appearances across all competitions falls short of the expectations that came with his hefty price tag. Last season was particularly challenging for Grealish, with only seven Premier League starts and a mere three goals. His omission from the Club World Cup squad was a clear signal of his diminishing role within the team.
Pep Guardiola himself has been quite direct about Grealish’s need for more consistent minutes. “Of course, Jack has to play,” the Catalan coach openly stated. “That’s the truth. Jack is an unbelievable player that has to play football every three days. And it didn’t happen this season,7 and last season neither. And he needs to do it with us, or another place.” This frank assessment indicates that City are willing to facilitate a move for Grealish, preferably on a permanent basis, though a loan could be considered if no suitable buyers emerge.
Serie A champions Napoli are reportedly leading the chase for Grealish’s signature. The Italian club, now managed by Antonio Conte, views Grealish as a potential key signing, especially with the recent departure of Khvicha Kvaratskhelia to PSG. Napoli is said to have a transfer budget of around £45 million, and they envision Grealish fitting well into Conte’s tactical framework. The prospect of reuniting with former City teammate Kevin De Bruyne, who recently joined Napoli on a free transfer, and playing alongside ex-Manchester United midfielder Scott McTominay, who has thrived in Italy, could make Naples an attractive destination for Grealish.
However, a major hurdle for Napoli is Grealish’s substantial weekly wage, reportedly exceeding £300,000. Napoli’s financial structure makes it impossible to match such a salary, meaning that any move would likely require Manchester City to subsidize a significant portion of his wages, particularly if a loan deal is pursued.
These potential sales of Walker and Grealish highlight Manchester City’s proactive approach to squad management. While they have already brought in several new faces this summer, including Tijjani Reijnders from AC Milan, Rayan Ait-Nouri from Wolves, Rayan Cherki from Lyon, Marcus Bettinelli as a backup goalkeeper, and promising youngster Sverre Nypan, the focus now shifts to offloading players to balance the books and create room for further strategic acquisitions. The departures of established figures like Walker and Grealish, combined with the confirmed free transfer of Kevin De Bruyne, signify a notable shift in the dynamic of Guardiola’s squad, as the club continues its relentless pursuit of domestic and European dominance.
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