Jack Grealish, once the shining star of Manchester City’s record-breaking £100 million transfer from Aston Villa in 2021, finds himself at a career crossroads. The 29-year-old midfielder, celebrated for his flair and pivotal role in City’s 2022-23 treble-winning season, has been unceremoniously axed from the club’s FIFA Club World Cup squad, set to compete in the United States from June 14 to July 13, 2025. This decision, coupled with his limited playing time under manager Pep Guardiola, signals the end of his tenure at the Etihad Stadium. However, a potential lifeline from Newcastle United could offer Grealish the chance to revive his career and reclaim his spot in the England national team ahead of the 2026 World Cup.
Grealish’s journey at Manchester City began with promise. His £100 million move made him Britain’s most expensive footballer, and he delivered during the club’s historic treble, contributing to their Premier League, FA Cup, and Champions League triumphs. Yet, the past two seasons have been a stark contrast. Grealish started just seven Premier League matches in the 2024-25 season, often relegated to the bench or omitted entirely, as seen in City’s final-day 2-0 win over Fulham and their FA Cup final loss to Crystal Palace. “It was selection,” Guardiola said of Grealish’s absence against Fulham, a statement that underscored the winger’s fall from favor. With Jeremy Doku now preferred on the left flank and new signings like AC Milan’s Tijjani Reijnders poised to further crowd the midfield, Grealish’s opportunities have dwindled.
The decision to exclude Grealish from the Club World Cup squad is a clear message: Manchester City are ready to move on. The club, under new sporting director Hugo Viana, is embarking on a £225 million squad rebuild following a trophyless season, and Grealish’s £300,000-per-week salary is a significant hurdle. City are reportedly willing to sell him for £40 million, accepting a £60 million loss, or facilitate a loan move to ease their wage bill. “It’s nothing personal with Jack. I’m the person who fought for him to come here and the person who fought for him to stay here this season,” Guardiola said in May 2025, emphasizing that a move could benefit all parties.
Newcastle United have emerged as a potential destination, with reports suggesting they are preparing a loan offer for the out-of-favour playmaker. The Magpies, buoyed by their return to the Champions League, see Grealish as a dynamic addition to their attacking lineup. However, his hefty wages pose a challenge, as few clubs can match his current pay. Newcastle may require City to subsidize part of his salary, a common practice in high-profile loan deals. “Newcastle is thought to be Grealish’s ideal landing spot this summer,” noted a source close to the negotiations, highlighting the club’s ambition to bolster their squad under manager Eddie Howe.
Other Premier League clubs, including Aston Villa, West Ham, Everton, and Tottenham Hotspur, have also been linked with Grealish, though his preference for a permanent move over a loan complicates negotiations. A return to Villa, where he captained the side to Premier League promotion in 2019, would tug at the heartstrings of fans, but financial constraints and past tensions from his departure make it a long shot. Overseas, Napoli and AC Milan are exploring moves, while a transfer to the Saudi Pro League remains a possibility. “If Grealish is to leave, it would be a complicated deal. He is 29 and feels like he has a lot to offer at the highest level,” said Sky Sports chief reporter Kaveh Solhekol, reflecting the complexity of his situation.
Grealish’s exclusion from England’s recent matches against Andorra and Senegal under Thomas Tuchel has added urgency to his need for regular football. A move to Newcastle could provide the platform to showcase his dribbling, creativity, and work rate, qualities that once made him a fan favorite. “Jack is an unbelievable player that has to play football every three days,” Guardiola acknowledged, a sentiment Grealish echoed on social media, hitting back at critics and defending his contributions despite limited minutes.
The coming weeks will be pivotal for Grealish as he navigates the summer transfer window, which closes on June 10 before the Club World Cup and reopens from June 16 to September 1. His representatives are actively seeking a new club, and a loan to Newcastle could be the perfect springboard to rediscover his form. “Jack Grealish is keeping himself in top shape ahead of a potential transfer,” a source close to the player noted, signaling his determination to seize this opportunity. As Manchester City prepare for a new era, Grealish’s next move could redefine his legacy, proving that even after a brutal axe, a fresh start might be just what he needs to shine again.
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