As the 2025 Premier League season nears its close, Manchester City’s Jack Grealish finds himself at a crossroads, with manager Pep Guardiola hinting that the £100 million winger may need to seek opportunities elsewhere to secure regular playing time. The 29-year-old, who joined City from Aston Villa in a record-breaking transfer in 2021, has struggled to cement a starting role this season, starting just seven Premier League matches and logging only 1,520 minutes across all competitions. Despite his undeniable talent and a standout role in City’s 2022-23 Treble-winning campaign, Grealish’s limited minutes, culminating in his omission from the squad for a crucial 2-0 win over Fulham on May 25, 2025, have fueled speculation about his future. Guardiola, however, was quick to dismiss rumors of a personal rift, passionately defending his relationship with the England international while acknowledging the competitive demands of the squad.
Grealish’s journey at Manchester City has been a tale of highs and lows. Signed for his flair, dribbling prowess, and ability to unlock defenses, he was hailed as “one of the most exciting attacking players in world football” by City’s then-director of football, Txiki Begiristain, upon his arrival. His dynamic play at Villa, where he notched 16 goal contributions in his final season, raised expectations that he would thrive under Guardiola’s system. Yet, the transition to City’s structured, possession-based style required Grealish to temper his maverick instincts, focusing on control and tempo rather than the swashbuckling runs that defined his Villa days. While he shone during the Treble season, contributing to three Premier League titles, a Champions League, and an FA Cup, his output has since dwindled, with just four league goals and two assists since the start of the 2023-24 season. This season, younger wingers like Savinho and Jeremy Doku have overtaken him in the pecking order, with Savinho’s 91.7% pass accuracy and 23 shots on target highlighting the competition Grealish faces.
Guardiola’s comments after the Fulham match underscored the situation’s complexity. “Of course Jack has to play,” he said. “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.” While emphasizing that Grealish’s omission was a matter of “selection” rather than personal discontent, Guardiola insisted, “Who said I’m not happy with Jack? It’s not personal. I’m the person who fought for him to come here and the person who fought for him to stay here this season and the last season.” He stressed that any decision on Grealish’s future would involve outgoing director Txiki Begiristain, incoming director Hugo Viana, and Grealish’s representatives, signaling that discussions are set for the summer. “If he stays, it will be fine and he fights like he fought from day one to make a contribution,” Guardiola added, leaving the door open for Grealish to reclaim his place.
The turning point for many came during City’s FA Cup final loss to Crystal Palace, where Grealish remained an unused substitute despite the team chasing a goal. Former Newcastle striker Alan Shearer was blunt, stating, “His time is up at Man City, he has to leave. For whatever reason, Pep’s done with him.” Pundit Micah Richards, a former City player, expressed sadness at Grealish’s struggles, noting, “I feel as though Jack’s played within himself.” Shay Given, another ex-City goalkeeper, echoed the sentiment, calling Grealish’s benching “criminal” and suggesting, “The writing is on the wall.” These reactions underline the growing consensus that Grealish, with two years left on his £300,000-a-week contract, may need a fresh start to revive his career, especially after missing England’s last two squads.
Interest in Grealish is reportedly strong, with Inter Milan, Borussia Dortmund, and Premier League clubs like Aston Villa, Manchester United, Tottenham, and Newcastle monitoring his situation. A loan move is considered more likely than a permanent transfer, offering Grealish a chance to rediscover the form that made him England’s first £100 million player. Despite his struggles, moments like his goal in an 8-0 FA Cup rout of Salford City show glimpses of his potential. As City face a summer rebuild, with an aging squad and the looming resolution of 115 financial charges, Grealish’s next move could define his legacy. For now, he remains a talent caught between past brilliance and an uncertain future, with Guardiola’s words ringing clear: play more, or find a new stage to shine.
# Grealish’s Uncertain Future at Manchester City
Jack Grealish, Manchester City’s £100 million winger, faces an uncertain future as manager Pep Guardiola hints at a potential departure due to limited playing time in the 2025 season. Signed from Aston Villa in 2021, Grealish has started just seven Premier League games this term, totaling 1,520 minutes across all competitions. His omission from the squad for a 2-0 win over Fulham on May 25, 2025, which secured Champions League qualification, intensified speculation about his next move.
## From Villa Star to City Struggle
Grealish was lauded as “one of the most exciting attacking players in world football” by Txiki Begiristain upon his record-breaking transfer. His 16 goal contributions in his final Villa season set high expectations, but City’s structured system required him to prioritize control over flair. While integral to the 2022-23 Treble, his output has since dropped, with only four league goals and two assists since 2023-24. Wingers Savinho and Jeremy Doku have surpassed him, with Savinho’s 91.7% pass accuracy and 23 shots on target showcasing the competition.
## Guardiola’s Stance
Guardiola dismissed feud rumors, stating, “Who said I’m not happy with Jack? It’s not personal. I’m the person who fought for him to come here and the person who fought for him to stay here.” He emphasized Grealish’s need for regular play: “Of course Jack has to play. 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.” Future talks will involve Begiristain, Hugo Viana, and Grealish’s agents. “If he stays, it will be fine and he fights like he fought from day one to make a contribution,” Guardiola added.
## Pundit Reactions
Grealish’s FA Cup final benching against Crystal Palace drew criticism. Alan Shearer said, “His time is up at Man City, he has to leave. For whatever reason, Pep’s done with him.” Micah Richards noted, “I feel as though Jack’s played within himself.” Shay Given called the snub “criminal,” adding, “The writing is on the wall.”
## What’s Next?
With two years left on his £300,000-a-week contract, Grealish is linked with Inter Milan, Borussia Dortmund, and Premier League clubs like Aston Villa and Tottenham. A loan move is likely. As City face a rebuild amid 115 financial charges, Grealish’s next step could revive his England career and redefine his legacy.
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