Jack Grealish, the charismatic 29-year-old England international, stands at a pivotal crossroads in his career, with his time at Manchester City drawing to a close. The former Aston Villa star, once heralded as a £100 million cornerstone of Pep Guardiola’s squad, has reportedly accepted that his journey at the Etihad Stadium is over. As the club prepares for a major squad overhaul, Grealish has emerged as a surprise target for Bayer Leverkusen, who see him as a potential replacement for their prodigious talent, Florian Wirtz. The German champions, under new manager Erik ten Hag, are poised to capitalize on Grealish’s availability as they brace for Wirtz’s anticipated departure, with Liverpool leading the race to secure the 22-year-old’s signature in a record-breaking deal.
Grealish’s tenure at Manchester City, which began with a British-record transfer in 2021, has been a tale of highs and lows. He played a starring role in the club’s historic 2022-23 treble-winning campaign, lifting the Premier League, FA Cup, and Champions League trophies. His flair, marked by low-slung socks and fearless dribbling, endeared him to fans, who roared when he converted a rare penalty in an 8-0 FA Cup rout of Salford City earlier this year. Yet, the 2024-25 season has been a stark contrast. Grealish started just seven Premier League matches, logging a mere 1,520 minutes—a sharp decline from the 82% game participation during the treble season. “It’s not personal,” Guardiola insisted after omitting Grealish from the squad for City’s final league match, a 2-0 win over Fulham. “I fought for Jack to come here, and I fought for him to stay. He’s an unbelievable player who needs to play every three days.” Despite Guardiola’s support, Grealish’s limited role, coupled with his exclusion from the upcoming Club World Cup squad, signals the end of his City chapter.
The move to Bayer Leverkusen offers Grealish a chance to reignite his career. The Bundesliga side, fresh off a stellar season under Xabi Alonso, views Grealish as the “perfect replacement” for Wirtz, whose 15 goals and 13 assists in 40 appearances this season have made him one of Europe’s most coveted talents. Leverkusen’s new boss, Erik ten Hag, is a known admirer of Grealish’s ability to unlock defenses, a skill that could thrive in the club’s transitional, high-energy style. “Jack has to play,” Guardiola said, acknowledging the winger’s need for regular football. “It’s a question for Jack, his agent, and the club.” With his £300,000-per-week contract running until 2027, any move would likely require a significant pay cut, but sources close to Grealish suggest he’s open to a fresh start abroad, particularly to secure his place in England’s 2026 World Cup squad under Thomas Tuchel.
Interest in Grealish extends beyond Leverkusen. Premier League clubs Tottenham, Newcastle, and his boyhood club Aston Villa have been linked, while Napoli, under Antonio Conte, also eyes the midfielder for their Champions League ambitions. A return to Villa, where Grealish’s 16 goal contributions in his final 2020-21 season showcased his maverick style, would be a fairy-tale move, though their lack of Champions League football could be a stumbling block. Leverkusen, however, offers a tantalizing prospect: regular minutes in a dynamic squad and a chance to fill the void left by Wirtz, whose £113 million transfer to Liverpool is reportedly imminent after City cooled their interest due to the hefty price tag.
Grealish’s struggles at City have been compounded by injuries and a tactical mismatch. Guardiola’s system demanded he temper his free-spirited play, turning the once-electrifying winger into a more disciplined cog in the machine. “He’s a mannequin on the wing, just told to keep the shape,” former City goalkeeper Shay Given lamented, arguing Grealish could be the “perfect replacement” for the departing Kevin De Bruyne in a central role. Yet, with City signing AC Milan’s Tijjani Reijnders for £46.3 million and pursuing Lyon’s Rayan Cherki, the club’s focus has shifted to younger, more cost-effective talents. Grealish’s high wages and diminishing resale value—he turns 30 in September—make a transfer complex, with City seeking around £40 million for their former star.
For Grealish, the move to Leverkusen could mirror Jadon Sancho’s resurgence at Borussia Dortmund after a difficult spell at Manchester United. The Bundesliga’s open, attacking style suits Grealish’s ability to exploit transitional moments, as seen in his 2023 assist for Erling Haaland against West Ham. “He’s an amazing talent with plenty of years left,” Given said, urging Grealish to explore new opportunities. As City prepare for the Club World Cup without him, Grealish’s focus is on finding a club where he can rediscover the form that made him a generational talent. With Leverkusen’s Champions League campaign and ten Hag’s vision, the stage is set for Grealish to write a new chapter in Germany.
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