Jack Grealish, once the cornerstone of Manchester City’s treble-winning campaign in 2022-23, has faced a turbulent journey at the Etihad Stadium. The £100 million signing from Aston Villa, celebrated for his flair and charisma, found himself sidelined last season, overshadowed by the emergence of Brazilian winger Savinho. However, an injury to Savinho, confirmed on August 15, 2025, has opened a window of opportunity for Grealish to reclaim his place in Pep Guardiola’s starting lineup. Guardiola’s blunt message to Grealish last season, urging him to “fight” and match Savinho’s productivity, now serves as a blueprint for his potential resurgence as Manchester City prepare for the 2025-26 Premier League campaign.
Last season, Grealish’s struggles were stark. He started only seven Premier League matches, plagued by injuries and inconsistent form, contributing just three goals and five assists across 33 appearances. In contrast, Savinho, a summer signing from Girona, exploded onto the scene, amassing nine assists, including a standout performance in a 4-1 victory over West Ham in January 2025. Guardiola was unequivocal in his assessment, stating, “Savinho is in better shape and everything than Jack, and that’s why I played Savinho.” The Brazilian’s directness and ability to deliver in the final third—evidenced by his hat-trick of assists against West Ham—set a benchmark that Grealish struggled to meet. “What happened with Savinho’s delivery in the box? It’s higher than the other wingers in that position,” Guardiola noted, emphasizing the need for Grealish to “prove” himself daily to reclaim his spot.
Guardiola’s faith in Grealish has not wavered entirely. “I know he can do it because I saw him,” he said, referencing Grealish’s pivotal role in the 2022-23 treble, where he played 50 games, scoring five goals and providing 11 assists. Yet, the manager’s demand for consistency was clear: “I want that level every training session and every game. If not, Savinho.” This challenge, though harsh, was not personal. Guardiola dismissed suggestions that Grealish’s off-field behavior led to his exclusion, stating, “The only reason he didn’t play minutes was me, not because he was incorrect or whatever.” Injuries, including a hamstring issue and other minor setbacks, disrupted Grealish’s rhythm, leaving him behind competitors like Savinho and Jérémy Doku.
Savinho’s injury, announced ahead of City’s season opener, has shifted the dynamic. With the Brazilian sidelined alongside Mateo Kovacic and Josko Gvardiol, Grealish has a chance to step up. His move to Everton on a season-long loan in August 2025 proved a turning point. At Everton’s new Hill Dickinson Stadium, Grealish thrived under David Moyes, setting up both goals in a 2-0 win over Brighton. This resurgence echoed his earlier days at Aston Villa, where his ball-carrying and creativity drove the team forward. Returning to City for pre-season training, Grealish has been working diligently with personal trainer Jamie Reynolds to regain peak condition, a response to Guardiola’s call for relentless effort.
Guardiola’s philosophy demands that players fight for their place, and Grealish’s history suggests he’s capable of rising to the occasion. Last season, after missing England’s March 2024 internationals, he returned to start key matches against Aston Villa, Crystal Palace, and Real Madrid, proving his ability to seize opportunities. “I think it was actually the same last year,” Grealish reflected, signaling his readiness to capitalize on Savinho’s absence. With Erling Haaland also nursing an injury, Grealish’s versatility—potentially as a box-to-box midfielder or left winger—could see him slot into a central role alongside Nico Gonzalez and Ilkay Gundogan, a trio that showed promise against Leicester last season.
The stakes are high for Grealish. With two years left on his contract, his future at City remains uncertain, especially with interest from clubs like West Ham and Napoli. Yet, his recent performances and Guardiola’s acknowledgment of his quality—“I don’t have any doubt about the quality of Jack”—offer hope. Savinho’s rise, praised by teammates like Bernardo Silva for its Mahrez-like flair, has raised the bar, but Grealish’s unique ability to retain possession and create chances could complement City’s attack. As the 2025-26 season looms, Grealish stands at a crossroads, with Guardiola’s words ringing in his ears: fight, produce, and prove you belong.
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