Jack Grealish, the charismatic England international and Manchester City winger, finds himself at the center of swirling transfer speculation as the summer window approaches. Once hailed as the £100 million record-breaking signing from Aston Villa in 2021, Grealish’s time at the Etihad Stadium has hit turbulent waters, with limited playing time and a potential swap deal sparking intense debate. As Pep Guardiola reshapes his squad for the 2025/26 season, Grealish’s future hangs in the balance, with a possible move to Real Madrid’s Rodrygo and competition from Manchester United’s Alejandro Garnacho complicating matters.
Grealish’s struggles at Manchester City have been stark in the 2024/25 campaign. Despite his undeniable flair and key role in City’s 2022/23 treble-winning season, the 29-year-old has been relegated to the fringes, starting just seven Premier League matches and recording a modest single goal and one assist in 20 appearances. His exclusion from City’s Club World Cup squad in June 2025, confirmed by the club, has fueled speculation that his days at the Etihad are numbered. “Of course, Jack has to play. He’s an unbelievable player that has to play football every three days,” Guardiola said after City’s final match against Fulham, acknowledging Grealish’s need for regular minutes. “It didn’t happen this season and last season either. It’s a question for Jack, his agent, and the club.”
The most tantalizing rumor involves a potential swap deal with Real Madrid for Brazilian star Rodrygo. Reports suggest Guardiola is eager to bolster City’s attack with the dynamic winger, proposing Grealish as a makeweight to lower the transfer fee. This audacious plan, however, faces a significant hurdle: Real Madrid’s new manager, Xabi Alonso, views Rodrygo as integral to his vision and is reluctant to let him go. The proposed swap would allow City to offset the financial loss on Grealish, whose £100 million price tag remains a heavy burden, with the club now willing to accept as little as £40 million for his services. Yet, with Grealish’s £300,000-per-week wages posing a barrier, any deal—swap or otherwise—remains complex.
Adding intrigue to Grealish’s situation is Napoli’s interest, though their pursuit is complicated by competition for Manchester United’s Alejandro Garnacho. The Serie A champions, fresh from signing City legend Kevin De Bruyne on a two-year deal, are reportedly eyeing both wingers, but Garnacho’s youth and potential may sway their focus. The 20-year-old United star’s emergence as a target for Napoli could derail Grealish’s prospects of a move to Italy, where his hefty salary is already a sticking point. “Grealish is keen to secure a move where he can play regularly, which will aid his bid to make Thomas Tuchel’s England squad for next summer’s World Cup,” noted a source close to the player, highlighting his determination to revive his international career after missing Euro 2024.
Other clubs have also entered the fray, with Newcastle United, Everton, Tottenham, and even a romantic return to Grealish’s boyhood club, Aston Villa, being floated as possibilities. Newcastle, in particular, is seen as a viable destination, with former scout Mick Brown suggesting, “It’s a move that would suit him if they can offer him more regular football.” However, Villa’s financial constraints, with a 91% wage-to-revenue ratio in 2024, make a permanent return unlikely, and a loan move—potentially with City subsidizing wages—appears more feasible. Tottenham and Everton are also considering loan deals, while a move to Saudi Arabia could allow Grealish to maintain his lucrative salary, though he reportedly prefers a competitive league to boost his England prospects.
Grealish’s challenges at City echo his candid reflections on adapting to Guardiola’s system. “When I came here, I’ll be honest, it was so much more difficult than I thought,” he once admitted, contrasting the freedom he enjoyed at Villa with City’s structured approach. Despite his struggles, Guardiola has emphasized there’s “nothing personal” in his decisions, praising Grealish’s attitude and contributions. As City prepare for the Club World Cup and a squad overhaul, with new signings like Tijjani Reijnders and Rayan Aït-Nouri signaling a youth-driven rebuild, Grealish’s departure seems increasingly inevitable. Whether through a high-profile swap, a loan, or a permanent transfer, his next move promises to be a defining chapter in a career that once sparkled with untapped potential.
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