As Manchester City jetted off to the United States for the FIFA Club World Cup, set to commence on June 15, 2025, the absence of Jack Grealish from the 27-man squad sent shockwaves through the football world. The decision by manager Pep Guardiola to exclude the 29-year-old winger, once a £100 million signing, underscored a shifting dynamic at the Etihad Stadium. Amid the speculation about Grealish’s future, his close friend and teammate Erling Haaland, the Norwegian goal-scoring machine, broke the silence with a heartfelt social media post that captured their deep bond and hinted at the emotional toll of the snub.
Haaland, never one to shy away from expressing himself, took to Snapchat on June 12, 2025, sharing a selfie from the team’s flight to Miami. The image showed an empty seat beside him, a poignant symbol of Grealish’s absence. With a crying cat emoji, Haaland captioned it, “Jack Grealish where are you,” a message that blended humor with unmistakable sadness. The post resonated with fans, who have long admired the duo’s camaraderie since Haaland’s arrival from Borussia Dortmund in 2022. Their friendship, forged during City’s 2023 treble-winning season, has been a highlight of their time together, from Haaland gatecrashing Grealish’s Sky Sports interview in 2023 to declare, “I f***ing love you, you know that!” to their shared moments on team flights and title celebrations.
Grealish’s omission from the Club World Cup squad, which includes new signings like Rayan Ait-Nouri and Rayan Cherki, signals a potential end to his three-year stint at City. The winger, who started just seven Premier League matches in the 2024-25 season, has struggled for form and fitness, recording three goals and five assists in 32 appearances. Guardiola, while praising Grealish’s talent, was candid about his need for regular play. “Of course, Jack has to play,” he said after City’s 2-0 win over Fulham on the final day of the season, where Grealish was left out. “He’s an unbelievable player that has to play football every three days. It didn’t happen this season and last season either. He needs to do it—with us or another place.” The comments, coupled with Grealish’s exclusion, have fueled rumors of a summer move, with Everton emerging as a likely destination for a loan deal.
The decision allows Grealish and his representatives to focus on securing a transfer before the window closes on September 1, 2025. Despite his £300,000-a-week contract, which runs until 2027, a loan could offer a fresh start for the former Aston Villa captain, who has also been linked with clubs abroad. Grealish, however, has remained defiant in the face of criticism, recently hitting back at fans on social media. When one questioned his form, he retorted, “Haha, I’ve been bad lately? Scored 3 goals in my last 3 appearances over 45 mins but okie dokie love x,” showcasing the confidence that once made him England’s most expensive player.
Haaland’s message reflects more than just personal disappointment; it highlights the strong locker-room bonds that have defined City’s success. The pair’s chemistry, evident in moments like Haaland’s playful 2022 remark to Grealish—“I’m only half the price of you so I haven’t got the pressure”—has endeared them to fans. Yet, their on-pitch synergy has waned, with their last goal combination coming in a 3-3 draw against Tottenham in 2023. Haaland, despite his own injury-hit season, remains City’s talisman, scoring 31 goals in 44 appearances and signing a landmark nine-and-a-half-year contract until 2034. His loyalty to Grealish, even as City plan a squad overhaul, speaks volumes about their friendship.
As City prepare to face Wydad Casablanca in their Club World Cup opener, the focus shifts to new faces like Omar Marmoush, who has linked up well with Haaland. Meanwhile, Grealish’s absence raises questions about his international future, with England manager Thomas Tuchel emphasizing the need for regular play ahead of the 2026 World Cup. “I love Jack,” Tuchel said. “He’s not a start-stop player. It’s hard for him to influence a match from the bench.” Grealish’s next move—whether to Everton, another Premier League side, or beyond—will be crucial.
Haaland’s emotional post, viewed by millions, has sparked a wave of support for Grealish, with fans urging him to rediscover his spark. As City chase global glory, the empty seat beside Haaland serves as a reminder of a friendship that transcends the pitch, and a player whose next chapter could yet redefine his legacy.
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