As the summer transfer window approaches, a fierce bidding war is brewing in the Premier League for Manchester City’s Jack Grealish, with Tottenham Hotspur, Newcastle United, and Nottingham Forest emerging as the leading contenders to secure the 29-year-old star’s signature. The English winger, who joined City from Aston Villa in 2021 for a record-breaking £100 million, faces an uncertain future at the Etihad Stadium, prompting speculation about a potential move that could redefine his career. Grealish’s blend of flair, versatility, and marketability makes him a prized target, but his hefty £300,000-per-week wages and City’s high valuation promise a complex negotiation process.
Grealish’s tenure at Manchester City has been a tale of triumphs and challenges. Since his blockbuster transfer, he has amassed six major trophies, including three Premier League titles and a Champions League crown during the 2022-23 treble-winning season. However, his individual impact has waned, with just 16 goals in 151 appearances and only two goals and five assists in 26 matches across all competitions this season. Injuries and increased competition from wingers like Jérémy Doku, Savinho, and January signing Omar Marmoush have seen Grealish slip down Pep Guardiola’s pecking order. “I think it’s nailed on that he’s going to leave now,” former Watford striker Troy Deeney predicted, suggesting that Grealish’s limited starts—only six in the Premier League this season—signal the end of his City chapter.
Tottenham Hotspur have emerged as the frontrunners, with reports indicating they are “leading candidates” to sign Grealish. Manager Ange Postecoglou, under pressure to reverse Spurs’ 14th-place standing, sees the midfielder as a dynamic addition to bolster their attack. Deeney endorsed the move, stating, “You could definitely see him going to somewhere like Spurs playing week in, week out and trying to move them up.” However, Tottenham’s wage structure, capping star players at £200,000 per week, means Grealish would need to accept a significant pay cut, a hurdle that could test his priorities between regular playing time and financial security.
Newcastle United, riding a wave of four consecutive Premier League wins and sitting fifth in the table, are also in the race. Eddie Howe views Grealish as a potential game-changer to elevate the Magpies’ ambitions. “Newcastle, easy,” Deeney said, emphasizing that Grealish could thrive in an environment where he feels “loved” by fans and is positioned as a central figure. The club’s passionate fanbase and upward trajectory make it an attractive destination, though matching City’s expected transfer fee—estimated at £65 million by Transfermarkt—remains a challenge.
Nottingham Forest, the surprise contender, adds an intriguing twist to the saga. Their interest reflects their ambition to compete with the Premier League’s elite, but prising Grealish from City would be a statement signing. “He needs to find his enjoyment in playing again,” former Aston Villa star Lee Hendrie urged, suggesting that a move to a club where Grealish can be the focal point could reignite his spark. Forest’s competitive bid, however, would likely hinge on their ability to navigate Grealish’s wages and City’s demands.
Grealish’s situation is further complicated by his happiness at Manchester City, where he remains under contract until 2027. “Jack Grealish could choose to stay at Manchester City this summer despite interest,” noted industry insiders, highlighting his contentment in Manchester. Yet, his omission from England’s Euro 2024 squad and Thomas Tuchel’s first squad in 2025 underscores the need for consistent game time to revive his international career ahead of the 2026 World Cup. “He may have to lower his expectations in terms of wages and where he’s playing,” Deeney advised, pointing to the delicate balance Grealish must strike.
A return to Aston Villa, where Grealish dazzled with 213 appearances and captained the side, has been mooted, but Deeney cautioned against it. “If you go back, there’s an expectation you’re going to be that person you was when you left,” he said, advocating for a fresh start elsewhere. Villa’s frosty reception during City’s 2-1 defeat at Villa Park in December 2024 suggests a reunion may be unlikely.
As the transfer window nears, Manchester City’s reported plans for a squad overhaul, with Grealish among eight players potentially departing, intensify the speculation. Guardiola’s insistence that Grealish improve his fitness to play three games a week regularly has added pressure, with the manager pointing to his faith in the player by starting him against Real Madrid in the Champions League. Yet, with new sporting director Hugo Viana tasked with securing a “big name” replacement, City appear open to offers.
The battle for Grealish’s signature promises to be one of the summer’s most captivating transfer sagas. Whether he joins Tottenham’s revival, Newcastle’s ascent, or Forest’s bold project, Grealish’s next move will be pivotal in rediscovering the form that once made him England’s most expensive footballer. For now, the Premier League awaits a resolution to this high-stakes transfer tussle.