As the summer transfer window heats up in 2025, FC Barcelona president Joan Laporta is once again making waves with a daring strategy to revive the club’s fortunes. After a frustrating pursuit of Athletic Club’s Nico Williams, who opted to renew his contract until 2035, Laporta has turned his attention to a new target: Manchester City’s Jack Grealish. The English winger, once a cornerstone of City’s treble-winning campaign in 2023, has emerged as a prime candidate to bolster Barcelona’s attack under Hansi Flick. “He’s a player who looked good, but he’s had the same thing happen to him as Rashford,” said journalist Eduardo Inda, highlighting Grealish’s dip in form since his standout performance in the 2023 Champions League final. “He plays for Manchester City and his name is Jack Grealish. He’s cheap, 40 million,” Inda added, suggesting a bargain deal for the 29-year-old.
Barcelona’s interest in Grealish comes at a pivotal moment. The club’s financial struggles have been well-documented, with LaLiga’s strict financial fair play rules complicating high-profile signings like Williams and Luis Díaz. Yet, Laporta, known for his audacious “levers” to navigate economic constraints, sees Grealish as an attainable asset. The reported €40 million price tag is a fraction of the €100 million Manchester City paid Aston Villa in 2021, reflecting Grealish’s reduced role under Pep Guardiola. “He’s not in Pep Guardiola’s plans,” Inda noted, pointing to Grealish’s limited starts this season as evidence of his availability. Barcelona’s strong relationship with Manchester City, fostered through past transfers like Ferran Torres, could facilitate a smooth negotiation, making this a potentially straightforward deal.
Grealish’s profile aligns with Flick’s vision for a dynamic, versatile attack. Known for his dribbling flair, vision, and ability to unlock defenses, Grealish could complement Barcelona’s existing stars like Lamine Yamal, Raphinha, and Robert Lewandowski. However, his recent struggles—evidenced by just three goals and one assist in the 2024-25 Premier League season—have raised concerns. “He’s had the same thing happen to him as Rashford,” Inda remarked, alluding to a loss of confidence and consistency. Despite this, Flick’s track record of revitalizing players, as seen with Bayern Munich’s Thomas Müller, gives Barcelona hope that Grealish could rediscover his spark at Camp Nou.
Laporta’s pursuit of Grealish is not without risks. Barcelona’s squad is already crowded with attacking options, and registering new players remains a challenge due to salary cap constraints. The club recently announced the signing of goalkeeper Joan García and the renewal of Wojciech Szczęsny, which has put pressure on veterans like Marc-André ter Stegen and Iñaki Peña to depart. Additionally, Grealish’s off-field lifestyle, including high-profile partying in Ibiza, has drawn scrutiny. “Grealish is ruining his career with alcoholic drink,” one fan posted on social media, reflecting concerns about his discipline. Yet, Laporta remains undeterred, banking on Grealish’s desire for a fresh start. “We have to value what we have,” Laporta said in a recent interview, emphasizing the need for strategic additions to enhance competitiveness.
The potential signing also carries symbolic weight. Laporta, a self-styled “rascal” who thrives on bold moves, sees Grealish as a statement of intent to rival Real Madrid’s model of marquee signings. “We’re different clubs,” Laporta has said, contrasting Barcelona’s focus on La Masia with Madrid’s spending power, though he’s not above splashing cash when opportunity knocks. Grealish’s flair and marketability could galvanize fans, much like Ronaldinho’s arrival during Laporta’s first tenure in 2003. A move to Barcelona could also appeal to Grealish personally, offering a chance to play alongside Yamal and escape the intense scrutiny of the Premier League.
As negotiations loom, the football world watches Laporta’s next move. Can he pull off another financial masterstroke to land Grealish and restore Barcelona’s attacking edge? Or will the club’s economic woes and Grealish’s inconsistent form prove too great a gamble? With Flick’s approval and Laporta’s unrelenting ambition, the stage is set for a transfer saga that could redefine Barcelona’s 2025-26 season.
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