Newcastle United are poised to make a bold move for Manchester City’s out-of-favor winger Jack Grealish, as the 29-year-old England international edges closer to the Etihad Stadium exit door. With the summer transfer window set to open on June 16, 2025, the Magpies are strategically monitoring Grealish’s situation, ready to pounce if conditions align. The former Aston Villa star, who joined City for a British-record £100 million in 2021, has struggled for regular minutes under Pep Guardiola, sparking widespread speculation about his next destination. Newcastle’s interest, driven by their ambition to bolster their squad for a Champions League campaign, could offer Grealish a chance to revive his career and secure a spot in England’s 2026 World Cup squad.
Grealish’s time at Manchester City has been a tale of highs and lows. A key figure in their 2022-23 Treble-winning season, he described joining City as “a dream come true” in his first interview. However, injuries and inconsistent form have limited him to just seven Premier League starts in the 2024-25 season, with only 1,521 minutes played across all competitions. His omission from City’s FIFA Club World Cup squad in June 2025 was a stark signal of his diminished role, leaving him “visibly dejected” on the sidelines during City’s FA Cup final loss to Crystal Palace. Guardiola, while praising Grealish’s potential, admitted, “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.” The Spaniard’s candid remarks underscore the need for Grealish to find a new home where he can rediscover the form that made him a fan favorite at Villa.
Newcastle’s interest is not without hurdles. Grealish’s £300,000-a-week wages pose a significant challenge, as even halving his salary would make him one of the Magpies’ top earners, alongside Bruno Guimarães at £150,000 a week. “That’s half of what Jack is earning, so there’s got to be a big amount of give from Jack’s point of view,” noted pundit Jeff Stelling, highlighting the financial gymnastics required to seal the deal. A loan move, with City potentially subsidizing a portion of his wages or a £5-10 million loan fee, appears the most feasible option, especially given Newcastle’s cautious approach to Profit and Sustainability Rules (PSR). The club’s recruitment team, led by Eddie Howe, is prioritizing a right-winger, center-back, and goalkeeper—such as Burnley’s James Trafford—but Grealish’s availability could shift their focus, particularly if star winger Anthony Gordon departs for Liverpool.
Howe’s track record of revitalizing players like Joelinton and Jacob Murphy makes Newcastle an appealing destination. However, Grealish’s preferred left-wing role is already occupied by Gordon and Harvey Barnes, prompting Newcastle legend Alan Shearer to question the fit: “I think Jack’s best position is coming off the left. That’s where we saw the best of him at Aston Villa and for Manchester City. They’ve got Barnes and Gordon for that side, so I’d be surprised if Newcastle were in for him.” Despite this, Howe’s high-intensity system could suit Grealish’s playmaking flair, potentially seeing him deployed centrally as a No. 10, a role Guardiola trialed with success in City’s FA Cup semi-final win over Nottingham Forest.
Grealish’s camp favors a move to Everton, where regular minutes are guaranteed, but Newcastle’s Champions League status adds allure. “If Grealish has a successful loan spell and makes a massive impact, they could make it permanent,” a source close to the club suggested, noting the potential ripple effect if Gordon’s transfer materializes. Other suitors, including Tottenham, Aston Villa, and Napoli—where Grealish could reunite with Kevin De Bruyne—face similar wage challenges. A move abroad, such as to Bayer Leverkusen or a Saudi club, remains an option, but Grealish’s desire to stay in the Premier League and fight for England’s World Cup squad under Thomas Tuchel makes Newcastle a compelling choice.
As the transfer window looms, Newcastle’s calculated approach positions them to capitalize on Grealish’s predicament. A loan deal could rejuvenate the winger’s career, offering Howe a chance to unlock the spark that once dazzled Villa Park. For Grealish, it’s a pivotal moment to reclaim his place among football’s elite.
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