**Jack Grealish** could be heading for an exit from **Manchester City** as early as next summer, with the club reportedly open to listening to offers for the 29-year-old England winger. This development comes as the club looks to make space for a new arrival, and as **Hugo Viana**, the incoming sporting director, is tasked with revamping the squad by signing a ‘big-name’ replacement. According to reports, Manchester City are preparing to part ways with Grealish to pursue other transfer targets, and the player himself may be open to a move if it offers him more regular first-team action.
Grealish made his high-profile £100 million move to the Etihad from **Aston Villa** in the summer of 2021, a record signing for Manchester City and a deal that raised eyebrows across European football. The transfer fee remains the biggest Manchester City has ever paid, and while Grealish has won three Premier League titles with the club, there have been ongoing questions about whether the move has been a success relative to the astronomical price tag.
### Grealish’s Manchester City Career: The Jury is Still Out
Since arriving at City, Grealish has made 135 appearances, but his role within the squad has been a subject of ongoing debate. Out of those 135 appearances, he has only started 93 matches and has netted a relatively modest 14 goals, with 20 assists to his name. His goal contributions equate to approximately one every 3.97 appearances, a return that many might consider underwhelming for a player who was brought in for such a hefty sum.
While the winger has contributed to the club’s domestic success—playing a part in their **Premier League** title triumphs in each of his three seasons—questions have lingered over his ability to truly thrive under Pep Guardiola’s system. His injury troubles, including being sidelined for City’s last four matches, have also compounded the uncertainty surrounding his future at the club.
### A Change of Direction: Grealish’s Future at Risk
According to **Football Insider**, City are willing to listen to offers for Grealish, with doubts beginning to emerge about his long-term role at the Etihad. The club is reportedly preparing for a potential squad overhaul in the summer of 2025, and Grealish’s status as a high-earning player could make him expendable. With wages of £300,000 per week, Grealish is one of the highest-paid players at the club, and selling him could help free up funds to pursue new signings.
It’s important to note that a January exit is unlikely, with Manchester City keen to maintain squad depth over the winter months, but all signs point to Grealish being one of the players on the chopping block by next summer. The arrival of **Hugo Viana** as sporting director is expected to bring a fresh perspective, with the new director reportedly tasked with finding a “big-name” replacement for Grealish, and possibly a new winger to bolster City’s attacking options.
“I’ve heard City could look to sign a big-name winger as they feel the squad could be strengthened in that position,” former **Manchester United** scout **Mick Brown** told **Football Insider**. “If they do sign a new player in that area, Grealish would likely see even fewer starts. They could look to move him on to make space, and recoup some of the money they spent on him.”
### Where Could Jack Grealish Go Next?
Despite his relatively mixed tenure at Manchester City, Grealish remains a talented player with a significant amount to offer. However, with his future at City uncertain, the question remains: where could he go if the club decide to cash in on him?
A return to **Aston Villa** remains a possibility. Grealish, who spent much of his early career at Villa Park, has previously expressed his fondness for the club and their fans. Over the summer, Villa were reportedly open to a **loan-to-buy deal** for their former star, though City decided against selling him at that time, partly due to the need to assess the development of new signings like **Savinho** and **Jeremy Doku**.
But as **Doku**, **Phil Foden**, and **Bernardo Silva** have increasingly been preferred by Guardiola in the wide positions, Grealish’s path to regular first-team football at City has become increasingly difficult. If City do go ahead and sign a new winger, this could signal the end of Grealish’s time at the Etihad, and a move back to Villa could make sense for both the player and the club.
### The Competition: Manchester United and More
Grealish could face competition for his signature from **Manchester United**, who are reportedly eyeing up several key additions in the transfer market. United’s ongoing need for attacking reinforcements, particularly in the wide areas, means Grealish could be an attractive option for Erik ten Hag’s side, especially if the player is available at a reduced price compared to his original transfer fee.
In addition to his potential return to Villa or a move to United, Grealish could also be in demand from other top clubs in Europe. His technical ability, creativity, and experience in the Premier League would likely make him an appealing target for teams looking to bolster their attacking options.
### Grealish’s Motivations and Current Form
While the future remains uncertain, Grealish has continued to perform for **England**, with his recall to the national team in September earning him widespread praise. His performance in a **Nations League** victory over Ireland, where he played in a more central role, impressed many, including fellow England teammate **Anthony Gordon**, who commented on Grealish’s effectiveness in the free role that he often thrived in at **Aston Villa**.
Speaking earlier this year, Grealish admitted he was using his exclusion from the **Euro 2024** squad as extra motivation to improve his form. “I have to use that as motivation going into this season,” he said. “In my first season at City, I didn’t perform as well as I could, but in the second season, I played in a lot of games and felt stronger. I want to continue improving.”
### Will Jack Grealish Stay or Go?
As we look ahead to the summer of 2025, it seems increasingly likely that Jack Grealish could be leaving **Manchester City**. His role under **Pep Guardiola** has diminished, and with the club poised to make new signings in the coming transfer windows, it may be time for the 29-year-old to seek a fresh start elsewhere. Whether that’s a return to Aston Villa, a move to Manchester United, or another top club, Grealish’s next step in his career could be crucial in determining how his legacy in English football develops.
With a potential bidding war on the horizon, it will be interesting to see which clubs emerge as the frontrunners for his signature. But one thing is clear: Manchester City’s decision on Grealish will be one of the most talked-about transfer sagas of 2025.