In a seismic shift for Manchester City, the club is poised to part ways with Jack Grealish, the charismatic winger whose £100 million transfer from Aston Villa in 2021 marked him as Britain’s most expensive footballer. The former Premier League champions have set a shockingly low £40 million asking price for the 29-year-old England international, a move that signals a staggering £60 million loss on their record-breaking investment. This dramatic turn of events, unfolding as the summer transfer window heats up in July 2025, paints a bittersweet picture of a player who once dazzled during City’s 2022-23 Treble triumph but has since struggled to secure a place in Pep Guardiola’s plans.
Grealish’s journey at the Etihad Stadium began with sky-high expectations. His flair, vision, and ability to unlock defenses made him a cornerstone of City’s historic 2022-23 season, where he racked up 50 appearances, contributing 16 goals and assists en route to Premier League, FA Cup, and Champions League glory. “The year of the Treble would have been impossible,” Guardiola said, reflecting on Grealish’s pivotal role in that campaign. Yet, the past two seasons have been a stark contrast. Injuries, limited game time, and a dip in form saw Grealish make just 20 Premier League appearances last season, managing only one goal and one assist. His omission from City’s FIFA Club World Cup squad in 2025 was a clear signal that his time at the club was nearing its end. “The only reason he didn’t play minutes was me, not because he was incorrect or whatever,” Guardiola insisted, dispelling rumors of off-field issues. “I want the best for Jack, his partner, his kids, his family.”
The decision to offload Grealish comes as part of Guardiola’s vision for a leaner squad. “I don’t want to leave five or six players in the freezer,” the Catalan coach declared, emphasizing his desire to avoid sidelining talent. With new signings like Wolves’ Rayan Ait-Nouri, AC Milan’s Tijjani Reijnders, and Lyon’s Rayan Cherki bolstering City’s ranks, Grealish’s role has diminished, overshadowed by younger stars like Jérémy Doku and Savinho. His £300,000-a-week wages, among the highest at the club, further complicate matters, making a permanent transfer the preferred route to trim the wage bill. However, City is open to a loan if no buyer meets the £40 million valuation, a figure that has raised eyebrows across the footballing world for its modesty compared to his original fee.
Despite his struggles, Grealish’s market remains vibrant. Premier League clubs Tottenham, Newcastle, Everton, and even his boyhood club Aston Villa have been linked, though Villa’s 91% wage-to-revenue ratio in 2024 makes a sentimental return unlikely without a significant pay cut. Across Europe, Serie A champions Napoli, AC Milan, and Borussia Dortmund have shown interest, while a move to Saudi Arabia remains a distant possibility, though it could raise questions about his England career. “I don’t know what’s going to happen right now,” Guardiola admitted, leaving the door ajar for Grealish to stay and fight for his place. Yet, the consensus between player and club is clear: a fresh start is needed. “Of course, Jack has to play,” Guardiola added. “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.”
Grealish’s off-field persona has kept him in the spotlight, from his generous act of covering a £500 drinks tab in a Sunderland social club to a viral TikTok moment in Greece, where he was tricked into paying a fan’s bill while signing an autograph. “Jack was the life and soul of the party,” an onlooker noted during a lively night out in London, where he reportedly racked up a £5,000 bar bill, channeling Leonardo DiCaprio’s iconic Wolf of Wall Street pose. These anecdotes highlight the charm and popularity that have made Grealish a fan favorite, even as his on-pitch contributions waned.
As the transfer window looms, Grealish’s next move is a topic of intense speculation. His 157 appearances and 17 goals for City, coupled with three Premier League titles, reflect a career of highs and lows. “I’ve been bad lately? Scored 3 goals in my last 3 appearances over 45 mins but okie dokie love,” Grealish fired back on social media, showing his defiance amid criticism. With two years left on his contract until 2027, the winger’s desire for regular football could see him reignite his career elsewhere, whether in the Premier League’s hustle or Europe’s tactical battlegrounds. For Manchester City, the decision to let go of their once-prized asset marks a pragmatic, if painful, step toward a new era.
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